Awakening Together: An Insight Dialogue BIPOC Retreat

Instructor(s): Tuere Sala, Peace Twesigye

Program Description:

There is an African Proverb that says, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” Together, we are stronger and more resilient and can support one another to go a little bit further on the path towards awakening. This program is about just that: supporting each other to awaken together. We will integrate the wisdom practice of Insight Dialogue and investigate the three marks of existence, anicca (impermanence), dukkha (unsatisfactoriness), and anatta (no separate unchanging self). Insight Dialogue is vipassana meditation practiced in relationship. It weaves together the meditative qualities of right view, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration with the wisdom of Dhamma and the voice of another to cultivate connection, inner strength, and deep concentration. When practicing with the three marks of existence at the center of contemplation, we have the opportunity to see the world more clearly as it really is, with fewer distortions of perception. Together, we can become aware of the multilayered, co-created moment and learn to stand with equanimity in a tumultuous world.

Transportation Assistance:

In an effort to make our campus more accessible, we will share a ride-share sheet specifically for this program. We will also provide a single van shuttle ride to and from BCBS on opening and closing days (from Boston to BCBS and from BCBS to Boston) for those who are unable to find a ride using the ride-share boards. The page and van pickup information will be shared with you upon registration.

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.

Prerequisites:

This program is for those who self-identify as BIPOC.

About the Instructor(s):
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  Tuere Sala

  Tuere Sala is a Guiding Teacher at Seattle Insight Meditation Society and Spirit Rock Retreat Center. She is a retired prosecuting attorney who has practiced Vipassana meditation for over 30 years. Tuere is committed to lay practice and inspired by bringing the Dharma to nontraditional places. She is a strong advocate for practitioners living with high stress, past trauma, and difficulties sitting still. Tuere has been teaching since 2010 and has a long history of assisting others in establishing and maintaining a daily practice. Tuere can be contacted at tueresala.org and at www.dharmaground.org.

• 

  Peace Twesigye

  First introduced to Buddhist teachings from the writings of Thích Nhất Hạnh as a teenager, Peace is now the Director of Buddhist Studies and the Thích Nhất Hạnh Program for Engaged Buddhism at Union Theological Seminary. Peace Twesigye assists in designing and overseeing curriculum in Buddhist Studies, supports and creates spaces for contemplative practice that serve as a basis for students’ active engagement and service in community, as well as supporting academic advisement and dharmalogical reflections with Buddhist students. Peace Twesigye organizes and manages public and private conversations and events as part of the Thích Nhất Hạnh Program for Engaged Buddhism to further expand its public offerings in socially engaged Buddhism. Being a part of the second Teacher Development Cohort cultivating skills of offering Insight Dialogue has supported a path of practice and understanding that surfaces relationality as central. Peace is also currently serving on the board of Lion's Roar.