In this retreat we will investigate closely the process of clinging, and the direct experience of the release from clinging. This is the cornerstone of the Buddha’s teaching on the Four Noble Truths: that suffering is caused by clinging, and freedom comes with its release. The Buddha pointed to four types of clinging (to sense pleasure, views, rituals, and self), and we will explore each in turn. Additionally, we will be practicing with the four elements as a support for loosening clinging to the construct of a solid, separate self.
We will be practicing silent meditation as well as Insight Dialogue. Insight Dialogue is an interpersonal meditation practice that brings together mindfulness and concentration, the wisdom teachings of the Buddha and the power of relationship to support insight into the causes and the release of human suffering.
The intention for this retreat is to learn and practice guidelines for increasing meditative awareness as we speak and listen, and as we move through the various activities of the day. A further intention is to deepen our familiarity with the felt sense of clinging and its release.
Application/Prerequisite: No previous experience with Insight Dialogue needed but prior meditation experience is required. This can include a consistent silent meditation practice or previous experience with mindfulness or meditation courses and retreats.
Online Course: Our intention is to build sangha and provide meaningful virtual interactions with each other and teachers in our online courses. When registering for an online course, please note that you should plan to commit to attending all scheduled sessions. While participants are asked to commit to participating for the entire retreat so we can weave a deep sense of community together, those in the Pacific time zone are invited to join after the early morning meditation session if it creates a more manageable schedule. The schedule of Zoom meetings for this course (shown in US Eastern Time) is as follows:
Friday, January 22
2:30 – 5:00 pm, Opening Session
Saturday, January 23
8:15 – 9:00 am, Morning Session
10:30 – 12:30 pm, Mid-morning Session
3:00 – 5:00 pm, Afternoon Session
7:00 – 7:45 pm, Evening Session
Sunday, January 24
8:15 – 9:00 am, Morning Session
10:30 – 12:30 pm, Mid-morning Session
3:00 – 5:00 pm, Afternoon Session
Please check the time of the group meetings in your timezone here, and please note that sessions will not be recorded.
Registration fees for online courses are nonrefundable after the course start date. Cancellations prior to the start date of the course will incur a $50 admin fee. Thank you for your understanding.
