When Insight Flows: Four Practices for Building Momentum on the Path

Insight unfolds. It is a process that develops momentum, becoming more buoyant, energized, and compelling. Yet establishing that momentum can be challenging and, at times, it can feel like our practice is stagnating. The early teachings of Buddhism offer guidance in the form of four practices that can be taken up by anyone, at any point on the Path. These practices build momentum, enabling the practitioner to enter the stream of the Path of awakening, a stream that flows to knowing Nibbana. By embracing trustworthy relationships, drinking in profound teachings, entrusting our full attention, and immersing ourselves in the Path, the Buddha says, insight flows and our practice unfolds.

On this retreat, together with Dhamma friends, we will explore and engage in these four activities, entrusting ourselves to the flow of the Path. Our exploration will be focused on two suttas from the Pali Nikayas: SN 55.5 and MN 137.

Program Format: This retreat will consist of guided and silent sitting meditation, walking meditation, daily Dharma talks, lecture and discussion, optional sharing in dyads, and a closing chanting ritual.

Noble Silence:

This program includes dedicated periods of both wise speech and noble silence. In addition to some contemplative exercises involving mindful speaking and listening, there will be periods when participants are able to speak freely.

Experience Level:

Suitable for beginning and experienced practitioners.

Prerequisites:

Attendees should have sat a minimum of a residential retreat of 5 days.

Cancellation Policy:

We understand that personal circumstances may require you to cancel your registration. In these cases, please contact us right away. If you cancel more than eight weeks before the program starts, you are eligible for a full refund minus a $50 administrative fee. If you cancel between three and eight weeks before the program starts, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the deposit. Registration fees are nonrefundable less than three weeks before the program starts.

Schedule:

Please note that the daily schedule will vary (sometimes significantly) from course to course. Below please find a typical schedule, keeping in mind that it will not directly reflect every course.


Opening Day

 2:00 – 5:45 pm Check-in

 4:30 pm BCBS Campus Tour (optional)

 5:50 – 6:30 pm Kitchen Orientation and Dinner

 7:30 – 9:00 pm Opening Session


Middle Day(s)

 6:30 am Wake-up Bell

 7:00 – 7:30 am Group Sitting Practice

 7:30 – 8:00 am Breakfast

 8:00 – 9:00 am Work Practice or Rest

9:00 am – noon Morning Session

 12:00 – 12:30 pm Lunch

12:30 – 2:00 pm Work Practice or Rest

 2:00 – 5:00 pm Afternoon Session

 5:00 – 5:30 pm Dinner

5:30 – 7:00 pm Work Practice or Rest

 7:00 – 9:00 pm Evening Session


Closing Day

6:30 am Wake-up Bell

7:00 – 7:30 am Group Sitting Practice

7:30 – 8:00 am Breakfast

8:00 – 9:00 am Work Practice or Rest

9:00 am – noon Closing Session

12:00 – 12:30 pm Lunch (optional)