City Weekend: Awakening Compassion - Ven. Amy Miller

Shantideva’s Guide to Developing Bodhichitta and Spiritual Resilience 

With Ven. Amy Miller

The path of the Bodhisattva begins in the heart. This weekend retreat invites practitioners to dive deeply into the first two chapters of Shantideva’s Bodhisattva’s Way of Life, exploring the cultivation of bodhichitta—the awakened mind of compassion—and the power of reliance on the spiritual guide.

Through inspiring teaching, guided meditation, and reflective practice, we will explore the benefits of generating bodhichitta in our daily lives: how selfless intention can transform our thoughts, actions, and relationships, and how it becomes the foundation for courage, wisdom, and resilience.

We will also examine the practice of reliance on the spiritual guide, uncovering how humility, honest reflection, and guidance from a realized teacher support the unfolding of wisdom and the deepening of compassion. Participants will engage in practical exercises and meditations designed to integrate these principles directly into their practice and daily life.

By blending philosophy, contemplative reflection, and experiential meditation, this retreat offers a living approach to the Bodhisattva’s way—transforming understanding into heartfelt action. Ideal for intermediate practitioners seeking to strengthen their foundation in compassion, wisdom, and mindful awareness, this weekend provides both inspiration and practical tools to cultivate an awakened heart. Some background in Buddhism helpful.

Your teacher

Venerable Amy Miller is a beloved spiritual teacher, practitioner and Buddhist nun in the Tibetan tradition. She has dedicated her life to sharing the profound teachings of Buddhism with the world. With her gentle presence, insightful wisdom and compassionate heart, she has touched the lives of many around the world, inspiring them to find inner peace and help transform their minds. 

For more information about Ven. Amy Miller, click here. 

Practical information

• Dates and times: 

  • Friday June 26: 19.00 – 20.30 hrs (online)

  • Saturday June 27: 10.00 – 16.00 hrs

  • Sunday June 28: 10.00 – 16.00 hrs

• Location: both at our center in Amsterdam and via Zoom.
• Language: English 
• Study materials & recordings: The classes will be recorded (audio and video) and provided to you as well as the study materials
• Registration: You can register for the whole weekend 
• Last-minute registration: Please also send an email to amsterdam@maitreya.nl, to ensure we can send you the necessary Zoomlink and materials in time to join the class.

Donation

Dāna (generosity) is one of the cornerstones of the Buddhist path. By virtue of their generosity, the Buddha and the ordained sangha offer us the teachings, and in exchange, the lay community supports Dharma centers and the monastic community. This interdependence is essential for us to share the Dharma and continue our work to benefit all sentient beings. With your donation we support our teachers in their cost of living and we uphold our dharma center, which is managed entirely by volunteers.

The suggested donation for this weekend is €85. For students and people with low income, the suggested donation is €60. Please send us an email if you'd like to make use of this option. Keep in mind that the donation amount should never be an obstacle to your access to the Dharma. Please contact us if it might be an obstacle for you.