Chanting, Joy, and the Seven Factors of Awakening

Instructor(s): Ayya Anandabodhi, Ayya Santacitta

Program Description:

Since the time of the Buddha, up to the present day, chanting has been used to preserve and pass on the teachings and express devotion to the Triple Gem (Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha). While chanting these ancient truths, we engage body, heart and mind, encouraging uplift and opening in these three dimensions of our lives. Joy, the fourth of the Seven Factors of Awakening, arises as a natural result of this practice. 

Through cultivating all seven factors – mindfulness, investigation, energy, joy, tranquility, stability, and equanimity – we transform old habits that limit our growth, accessing a greater freedom and setting the wheel of awakening rolling.

This program will include chanting, meditation, and study of the seven factors of awakening.

Noble Silence:

Noble silence will be observed following each evening session through breakfast the following morning. Additional silent practice periods will be scheduled throughout the program.

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:

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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  Ayya Anandabodhi

  Ayya Anandabodhi first encountered the Buddha's teachings in her early teens, igniting a deep interest in the Buddha's Path of Awakening. She lived and trained as a nun in the Forest Tradition at Amaravati and Chithurst monasteries in England from 1992 until 2009, when she moved to the US to help establish Aloka Vihara Forest Monastery, a training monastery for women. Her practice and teaching are guided by early Buddhist scriptures and through nature's pure and immediate Dhamma. In 2011, she took full Bhikkhuni Ordination, joining the growing number of women who are reclaiming this path in the Theravada tradition. She currently resides at Aloka Vihara, near Placerville, CA. Visit www.alokavihara.org for more information.

• 

  Ayya Santacitta

  Santacitta Bhikkhuni was born in Austria and began her monastic training in England and Asia in 1993. She co-founded Aloka Vihara Forest Monastery in 2009 and received Bhikkhuni Ordination in 2011 and also received teachings in the lineage of Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche. She is committed to Gaia as a living being and resides at Aloka Earth Room, currently located in San Rafael, CA.