Program Description:
Oh, my heart.
You don’t have to go it alone.
Train yourself to train
Just a little more gently.
—Jenta Bhikkhunī
The roles, relationships, stories, and voices of women in Buddhism have too often been neglected and obscured. But we know they were there. Their realization, teaching, and leadership—of women who were also mothers and daughters, queens and courtesans, widows and wives—is described in the poems of awakening found in the Therigattha, the earliest extant text of women’s spiritual experiences, in which Jenta Bhikkhunī’s voice is one of many awakened ones.
In this program for mothers and daughters, we will explore women’s unique expression of spiritual life in a contemporary Buddhist space. Our time together will blend meditation instructions and periods of silence with dharma talks recounting the lives of our early female ancestors, chanting, sharing circles, guided movement, mandala drawing, and time in nature. The teachings will focus on the cultivation of heart-based, relational practices, including interactive inquiry, compassion, gratitude and forgiveness.
We are delighted to invite mothers and daughters (16 years and older) to join us in celebrating women’s wisdom, tenacity, tenderness and joy. This program is open to mothers and daughters who identify as women, including those who are trans or gender non-binary.
Noble Silence:
This program includes dedicated periods of both wise speech and noble silence. Some contemplative exercises may involve mindful speaking and listening. Noble silence is to be upheld at all other times.
Experience Level:
Suitable for beginning and experienced practitioners.
Cancellation Policy:
This policy applies to all residential programs, including Paths. If you need to cancel your registration, please contact us as soon as possible. Please note cancellation fees are at most $50 for those receiving financial assistance. As of 2023, 100% of your deposit is forfeited if you cancel less than two weeks before the program start date and there is a $50 cancellation fee if you cancel two weeks or more in advance. Beginning in 2024, prior to six weeks before the program start date, cancellation fees are $50 for all programs more than two nights and $25 for programs two nights or less. 50% of your deposit is forfeited if you cancel between two and six weeks of the program start date. 100% of your deposit is forfeited if you cancel less than two weeks before the program start date.
Covid-19 Safety Protocol:
DEI:
As we work to become a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive community, we invite feedback/suggestions you may have regarding ways that we can make participation in the program more accessible and welcoming. Please email us at contact@buddhistinquiry.org.
