In the teachings of Buddhism, we encounter many exhortations to make great effort, be diligent, and not slack off in order to fully realize the Way. Indeed, according to the suttas, the very last words of the Buddha were about effort. Yet driving effort forward risks engendering aversion and reinforcing the very notions of self that stand in our way. How can we find a skillful relationship to effort, one that is vigorous and intentional and enables us to receive what is present now? In this retreat we will explore Pāli suttas (especially Aṅguttara Nikāya 11.1 and 11.2; Saṃyutta Nikāya 46.51; and Dīgha Nikāya 16) as guides to a nuanced understanding of effort. We will also draw on Zen koans and the practice of writing to explore this important question. For, no matter how long we have been practicing, the question of skillful effort – effort that reveals and is in accord with the truths of our lives – can enliven our practice as we make our way on the Path.

Effort, Intention, and Entrustment: A Sustainable Path to Realization
Residential Program
Dates: Mar 03, 2023 - Mar 07, 2023
Days: Friday - Tuesday
Number of Nights: 4 nights
Instructor(s): Ayya Dhammadīpā
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About the Instructor(s):
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Ayya Dhammadīpā is the founder of Dassanāya Buddhist Community. She is a dual lineage teacher - a fully ordained bhikkhuni in the Theravāda tradition, and a Dharma transmitted teacher in the Shunryu Suzuki lineage of Sōtō Zen. The shift in her practice from Zen to the Theravāda tradition is a natural extension of her longtime metta practice and study of the Pāli suttas. Ayya has been practicing Buddhism since 1987. In addition to English, she teaches in Spanish, an expression of her Latin heritage. Ayya is also an author whose writings have been published in the "Lion's Roar" and "Buddhadharma" magazines. Her recent book is titled, “Gifts Greater Than the Oceans: Benefits of the Buddhist Practice of Giving.” She is mother to a lovely adult daughter, and she enjoys watercolor painting and sewing.