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The Dharma of Aging: Guardians of the Heart

Residential Program
Dates: Dec 01, 2016 - Dec 04, 2016
Days: Thursday - Sunday
Number of Nights: 3 nights

Instructor(s): DaeJa Napier

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Program Description:
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Time seems to become more precious when we sense it slipping away. The urgency that one may feel at the edge of old age, sickness, and death can turn one’s attention towards negative preoccupations or awaken a deep interest in the miracle of our own mind and body process: one that guides and informs our responses to ourselves and others. The four brahma vihāras (wise abodes) are the wise responses of an awakening heart. They are loving-kindness (mettā), compassion (karunā), appreciative joy (muditā) and equanimity (upekkhā). Whether young or old, these four mind-heart liberating teachings, attitudes, and practices function as guardians at the door to suffering. As antidotes to fear, aversion, and attachment they revitalize our view of life with increasing clarity, ease, and confidence in a capacity to open to the “ten thousand joys and sorrows” that come and go throughout this human existence. This program will include talks, large and small group discussions, and structured meditation periods.