BCBS is delighted to partner with Bodhi College on this program. All class dāna from this program will support Bodhi College in continuing to offer courses on early Buddhist teachings online and in Europe.
However fortunate, successful, or privileged we are, there is still pain in our lives. Dukkha (“suffering”), the inescapable meeting with unwanted experiences, is part of our lot. Buddhist traditions directly acknowledge this truth and teach us how to use suffering to help us grow. By not turning away from suffering, by meeting it with courage, skill, and perseverance, we can transform ourselves and the world. To suffer wisely is a skill.
All of us will encounter hardship, but how will we meet it? Many Buddhist stories address the liberatory possibilities of suffering wisely. While acknowledging the myriad ways that humans encounter pain, these stories bear witness to our capacity for change, insight, and even joy in the face of adversity. They show ordinary people—and extraordinary practitioners—discovering unexpected freedom in the midst of impermanence and loss.
During this study retreat, Akincano and Andy will explore Buddhist stories and images that illustrate how growth becomes possible when we meet rather than try to avoid or outrun life’s difficulties. Drawn from the Pāli canon, Buddhist Sanskrit literature, and the visual arts of Buddhist Asia, these narratives are at once engaging stories, practical teachings, and enduring testimonies to the possibility of awakening through life's greatest challenges.
Program Format: This is a study retreat with presentations, small- and large-group discussions, and some silent meditation.
Camping Option: If you would like to camp, please select the "Commuter" option and note in the Comments section that you plan to camp. Before choosing to camp, keep in mind that heat, rain, and ticks/mosquitoes are aspects of the camping experience. If you'd like to be on the waitlist for a room, there is a checkbox. All meals are included, and campers have access to restrooms and showers. Please bring your own gear.