Yeunten Ling Tibetan Institute in Huy, Belgium
European Learning Centre for Buddhism, Tibet, Meditation & Yoga
Aug 28, 2009
It all started in 1976, when the Venerable Lama Orgyen traveled to Antwerp, on the north of Belgium, upon the invitation of a group of prominent persons who were interested in learning more about Buddhism and Tibetan culture. With soaring public awareness on the subject, the need for a suitable, permanent venue for information meetings and classes became apparent.
The Yeunten Ling Tibetan Institute at the Chateau du Fond l'Eveque in Huy
In 1983, the Yeunten Ling Association picked the Chateau du Fond l’Eveque in Huy, to be its home, being centrally located, geographically speaking, and easily accessible via the Namur-Liege Highway, turning toward Huy, then Hamoir.
The Venerable Lama Karta has been at the helm of the institute, since 1989. Lama Tashi Nyima and Lama Zeupa ably assist him. The three lamas, who are all qualified Dharma teachers, have known each other ever since their childhood days at the Sonada Monastery in Darjeeling, India. Monks, like artist-sculptor Tempa Rubgay, and a host of volunteers also live permanently on site, performing a range of duties and responsibilities. Some teach classes, or run the offices and guide visitors, or tend to the souvenir boutique and teashop, and do various other tasks.
Buddhism, Meditation, Yoga and Relaxation Classes
Classes offered at the L’institut Tibetain Yeunten Ling include Tibetan yoga and painting, kungfu and tai chi, relaxation, meditation and chanting. The institute also holds week long residential retreat and meditation sessions, with attendees having a choice in accommodations, such as a chateau standard room-share basis, priced at € 8,50; a chateau double room for € 25/night, or a studio for two, at € 39, plus additional fees for classes and meals, or € 49/day inclusive of lessons, three meals and lodging.
A normal retreat day schedule at L’institut Tibetain Yeunten Ling starts with meditation at 7h followed by breakfast at 8h. Dharma classes, preceded by karma yoga, complete the morning session. The afternoon session opens with more karma yoga, classes, and rituals like the Sadhana de Mahakala and Tchenrézig. Attendees also help out with some household chores around the centre and its temple, the Thubten Shedrub Ling.
Residential Retreat on Methods of Meditation
One of the most popular sessions is the six-day summer retreat. It explains the successive phases and methods of meditation such as the Chiné (Shamata), Lhagtong (Vipassana), and Mahamoedra. Periods of total silence follow.
Yeunten Ling Association Organises Festival of Buddhism
The group also observes full moon day rituals. On the 6th of September 2009, the Yeunten Ling Association and the L’institut Tibetain Yeunten Ling, under the auspices of the l’Union Bouddhique Belge (UBB), which is led by Michel Depréay, will hold its annual Festival of Buddhism.
Activities include shrine ceremonies, invocations for peace in Pali, Japanese, Vietnamese, Sanskrit, Tibetan, French and Dutch; introduction to the techniques of meditation, Buddhist traditions, film viewing, and afternoon tea with Oriental specialities. Transport is provided from Huy train station to the institute and back. Festival entrance fee, € 2/person.
For those who are interested in learning more about Buddhism, visit L’institut Yeunten Ling asbl, Château du Fond l’Evêque, 4 promenade Saint Jean l’Agneau, B4500, Huy, Belgium. Tel: +32 (0) 85 27 11 88 / Fax: + 32 (0) 85 27 11 99.
Guided visits, in French, are scheduled each Sunday, at 14h30. One may inquire from Reception regarding guided visits in another language. Guided visits at € 4/person, inclusive of tea break. Free for children up to 12-years-old.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
