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The Power and the Beauty

There are a Thousand Ways to Kneel and Kiss the Ground – Rumi

Relating to our practice as the fashioning and tuning of an instrument of perception, we will explore our seeing and sensing not as ‘revealers of truth’ but as ‘arts’ – engaging the materials of our lives with more freedom and exploring an infinite field of richness and meaningfulness. Inquiring into the emotional, ideological, and practical barriers that can prevent this opening, constrain its range, or render it ineffectual for our lives, we will trace a path towards more sacredness and beauty. Drawing our hearts onward in devotion, the beauties we encounter in these practices have the power to orient and inspire us during better times and during troubled times too — and can give to everything, including our sufferings, a necessary place.

This program is for those who have completed a Fall intensive online Soulmaking program with BCBS. 

Program Format

This program will include dharma talks, guided meditation, silent meditation, relational practices, large group discussions, small group discussions, movement and dance, and various forms of ritual, including liturgy.

A note from Catherine

“Like some of you, I have been grappling with the ethical dimension of Dharma events and carbon-intensive forms of transport that might be involved in traveling to program venues, particularly flying. Whatever you decide about this particular program in terms of travel, I would like to affirm, in the spirit and example of Rob, a rigorous turning towards these questions as a part of our Dharma practice in this era of climate crisis and ecological breakdown.” If you have attended a Fall online program, wanted to come to a Soulmaking program and decided not to for these reasons, please let Catherine know via contact@buddhistinquiry.org subject: Carbon consideration: FAO Catherine

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 intermediate and advanced practitioners.

Prerequisites:

Suitable for people who have completed or will have completed the Fall Foundations of a Soulmaking Dharma online Immersive program prior to the retreat.

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:

Arrival day: 3:00 – 5:30 PM 

Departure day: Noon (Leave campus by 2:00 pm)


Full Day Schedule (may vary slightly): 

6:30 am                Wake-up

7:00 – 7:30 am     Group sitting practice

9:00 am – noon    Morning Session

2:00 – 5:00 pm     Afternoon Session

7:00 – 9:00 pm    Evening Session

Lottery:

ALUMNI of the residential retreat: The lottery will close at 11:59 PM US Eastern time on February 1, 2027. Notification will be sent by March 1, 2027. Deposit will be due within 3 days from notification of acceptance.

ALUMNI of the online immersive class Foundations of a Soulmaking Dharma: The lottery will close at 11:59 PM US Eastern time on March 15, 2027. Notification will be sent by April 15, 2027. Deposit will be due within 3 days from notification of acceptance.