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Be Not Afraid: Embodying the Presence of Maitreya, the Future Buddha

Residential Program
Dates: May 26, 2023 - May 30, 2023
Days: Friday - Tuesday
Number of Nights: 4 nights

Instructor(s): Larry Ward and Peggy Rowe-Ward

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Program Description:
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According to Buddhist traditions, Maitreya, the future Buddha, will appear on earth to preach and renew the dharma when it is no longer widely available. Maitreya, whose name means “loving one,” is the very embodiment of loving kindness. Thich Nhat Hanh describes the future buddha as the energy of love, the collective presence of beloved community. For Thich Nhat Hanh, the birth of Maitreya is always possible in this very moment, in our world with all its suffering and hopes for transformation. In this program we will explore teachings and practices that help us realize the loving presence of Maitreya. Mornings will be devoted to the delight of silent practices of sitting, indoor and outdoor walking, lying meditation, eating meditation, mindful movement, and sutra and dharma study. In the afternoons there will be individual and community practices for regulating the nervous system so that we can grow in our capacity to co-regulate. Through deep contemplative practice and collaborative inquiry, we will do the work of building beloved community, strengthening the mind of love, and cultivating a heart free from fear.   


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.

Lottery:

The lottery for this program closed on February 22nd. We encourage you to join the waiting list.

    About the Instructor(s):
  • Larry Ward is a senior teacher in Buddhist Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh's Plum Village tradition. He brings twenty-five years of international experience in organizational change and local community renewal to his work as director of the Lotus Institute and as an advisor to the Executive Mind Leadership Institute at the Drucker School of Management. He authored the book America's Racial Karma. He holds a Ph.D. in Religious Studies, emphasizing Buddhism and the neuroscience of meditation. Larry is a knowledgeable, charismatic, and inspirational teacher, offering insights with personal stories and resounding clarity that express his dharma name, “True Great Sound.”

  • Dr. Peggy Rowe aspires to grow her heart as wide as the world.  Her education is in counseling psychology and education.  She works with clients on spiritual direction and supports clients and organizations in trauma resiliency.  She is on the faculty of Atlantic University’s MA in Mindful Studies.  Peggy co-authored two books, Making Friends with Time and Love’s Garden, and is currently completing a book for parents and teachers practicing mindfulness with children and young adults.  She has been studying and traveling to support the teaching of Thich Nhat Hanh for 25 years.  Peggy received the dharma lamp from her teacher in 2001, and he married Peggy and Larry in 1994.  She loves to sing and is crazy for dogs.