This in-person and online weekend retreat is based on Chapter 6, Mind at Ease, from Tarthang Tulku’s influential book Keys of Knowledge. While it is part of a year-long training for experienced Dharma and Understanding Self and Mind students, participants with a strong foundation in meditation and self-observation are also welcome.
“When we can stay in the openness before conclusions, all manifestations, all thoughts, and all experiences become a beautiful vehicle for knowledge. We become like actors who perfect their craft, and simply enjoy the play as its unfolds. We can chant or pray or teach; we can act on behalf of sentient beings; we can express our best intentions and basic goodness. Even thoughts are not caught in what manifests.” – Keys of Knowledge p 130
Mind at Ease
Led by Elske van de Hulst and Matthias Brenner, the retreat offers a variety of experiential practices to explore the daily operations of the mind. By investigating these mental processes, participants can transform their relationship with their “regime of mind” into one that is easier, friendlier, and freeing. Since our mental patterns shape how we perceive reality, the benefits of this freedom are profound.
With a mind at ease, familiar aspects of life can reveal unexpected treasures, and everyday experiences take on a renewed sense of vitality. The retreat includes exercises that explore the senses and perception, supported by Kum Nye movements and mantra chanting, helping participants open the mind beyond the limitations of habitual conditioning.
Practical Information
Costs
In-Person
- € 295 per person in a shared bedroom with two beds
- € 395 per person in a private double bedroom
- All meals are included
Online Only
- € 150 per person
- Free for Great Journey Participants
If the retreat fee presents a financial obstacle, partial scholarships are available. To apply, please email us at info@stupacenter.org.
Dates/Times
From 16:30 on Friday, March 20th, to 14:00 on Sunday, March 22th
Language of Instruction
English
Information about food and stay
The World Peace Stupa Center is located in Winterswijk Woold, set within an enchanting national landscape free of light and noise pollution. Moreover, it is surrounded by the natural beauty of the Achterhoek region and close to the historic town of Winterswijk. With its markets, museums, cafés, and lively shopping streets—the center offers a peaceful and inspiring environment for retreat.
Retreats take place at the World Peace Stupa Retreat Center, where participants stay in comfortable double rooms with private bathrooms. All meals are vegetarian and prepared according to Healthy Planet principles, with accommodations available for specific dietary needs. We encourage arrival by public transport and offer pickup from the Winterswijk or Bocholt train and bus stations.
Check the Daily Schedule here.
For Whom
This retreat is designed for participants with a solid meditation practice and experience in self-observation. It is especially suited for experienced Dharma and Understanding Self and Mind students. However, anyone with a strong foundation in contemplative practice who wishes to explore the workings of the mind in depth is welcome to join. It is ideal for those seeking greater ease, clarity, and freedom in their daily life and perception.
Instructor
Elske van de Hulst
Elske is a co-dean, trustee, and senior instructor at Nyingma Centrum Amsterdam and serves on the board of the World Peace Stupa Center Europe. Originally trained as a mime, she worked in theatre as an actress, director, and author from 1969 to 1995. Later she started teaching at the Amsterdamse Hogeschool voor de Kunsten and serving on the Dutch Arts Council. Since discovering Tarthang Tulku’s work in 1998, she has devoted herself to the “theater of the mind”.Now she teaches Meditation, Knowledge of Freedom, Revelations of Mind, Dimensions of Mind, Caring, and Lotus Trilogy courses in Amsterdam and beyond.
Matthias Brenner
Matthias Brenner came in contact with Nyingma in the 1980th and the richness of the teachings continued to him. He watches with curiosity and wonder each new teaching arising. Being a Kum Nye,Joy of Being and Full Presence Mindfullness teacher he finds a lot of opportunities in his daily work as an Bodyworker ,Osteopath and Health practitioner to benefit from the teachings. He especially loves Tarthang Tulku’s Understanding Self and Mind and Buddhist Psychology series. And he participated in the 2024 Knowledge of Freedom Teachertraining.
Further Study
Participants in this retreat may also be interested in the Easter Retreat: Entering Openness and Jack Petranker’s One with the World retreat. The weekly English-language courses Understanding Self and Mind offered by Nyingma Centrum Nederland are also very inspiring. Starting in January 2026, we also suggest the Gesture of Great Love Study and Practice Program. Additional new courses will begin in September 2026.