Seeing Far and Wide: The Embodiment of Deep Equanimity

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

Program Description:

Equanimity is “the mind that can see far and wide,” in the words of Thich Nhat Hanh. Buddhists have long understood equanimity as a “divine abode,” a brahmavihara, because it helps us to be grounded and calm in a world in which everything is impermanent and uncertain.  To see far and wide helps us skillfully navigate the eight worldly winds of praise and blame, gain and loss, success and failure, and joy and sorrow.  Together, we will explore the Lokavipatti Sutta, with its discussion of equanimity and the eight worldly winds.  We will also integrate somatic practices that will help us embody Buddhist teachings on equanimity, allowing life to unfold as it will, supporting a centered and joyful way of being in a world that is beyond our control.

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.

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):
• 

  Larry Ward

  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.”

• 

  Peggy Rowe-Ward

  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.