Awakening Together: An Insight Dialogue BIPOC Retreat

Instructor(s): Tuere Sala, Peace Twesigye

Course 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 retreat 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.

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 retreat is for those who self-identify as BIPOC.

Cancellation Policy:

During the pandemic, there is a cancellation fee of $50 for all residential programs longer than two nights and $25 for weekend programs. 2023: If you need to cancel your registration, please contact us as soon as possible. If you cancel two or more weeks before a program begins, cancellation fees are $50 for all programs longer than two nights and $25 for weekend programs. If you cancel less than two weeks before your program begins, your full deposit is forfeited. If you have requested financial assistance, cancellation fees are $50 for all programs longer than two nights and $25 for weekend programs. All cancellation fees support our Scholarship Funds.

Covid-19 Safety Protocol:

Please review our Covid-19 Safety Protocols here: https://www.buddhistinquiry.org/covid-19/.

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.

About the Instructor(s):
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  Tuere Sala

  Tuere Sala is a Guiding Teacher at Seattle Insight Meditation Society (SIMS). She is a retired prosecuting attorney who has practiced Vipassana meditation for over 25 years and has been a practicing member of SIMS since 2001. She is also the founding teacher of the Capitol Hill Meditation Group.Tuere has a long history of assisting others in establishing and maintaining a daily practice. Her teachings reflect an approach to Dharma that is both easy to follow and understand – making it accessible to everyone.

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  Peace Twesigye

  Peace Twesigye is the Program Manager of Buddhist Studies at Union Theological Seminary. Peace assists in designing and overseeing curriculum in Buddhist Studies. Peace organizes and manages public and private conversations and events as part of the Thích Nhất Hạnh Program for Engaged Buddhism at Union Theological Seminary to further expand its public offerings in socially engaged Buddhism. Peace is currently in the Insight Dialogue Teacher Development Cohort led by the Insight Dialogue Community Teachers Council.