Course Description:
In this program, we will explore the path to freedom and the obstacles that hinder us by contemplating the Verses of the Elder Nuns (Therīgāthā), a collection of poems from the very first Buddhist nuns. These verses give detailed accounts of the awakening experiences of these early Buddhist women with vivid descriptions and powerful imagery. They also describe the very different life circumstances from which these women came to the Dharma, often including the challenges of constantly caring for others, the loss of loved ones, and the experience of aging.
We will be drawing from some of the more literal translations as well as free translations–contemporary poems inspired by the Pali verses. Through the practice of Insight Dialogue, we will meditate together on the voices of awakening in these poems and invite them to come alive in us. Together we will explore how we can meet ourselves fully, with compassion, and encounter the challenges in our own lives with patience and perseverance, developing resilience, inspiration and joy on the path.
This retreat will include silent meditation as well as Insight Dialogue in pairs and small groups, bringing together meditative awareness, wisdom teachings, poetry, and the power of relational practice to develop liberating insight and deep compassion while investigating present moment experience.
Prerequisites:
An established meditation practice.
Online Schedule:
This program is hosted on Zoom and closed captions are available. You can check the time of the group sessions in your timezone here: https://www.worldtimebuddy.com. The schedule of Zoom meetings for this program (shown in US Eastern Time) is as follows:
Friday, December 29
6:30 - 9:00 pm ET Introduction & Group Practice
Saturday, December 30 - Monday, January 1
9:00- 10:00 am ET Group Meditation
11:00am – 1:30 pm ET Group Practice
3:30– 6:00 pm ET Group Practice
7:30 - 8:15 pm ET Group Meditation
Tuesday, January 2
9:00 - 10:00 am ET Group Meditation
11:00 am – 1:30 pm ET Group Practice & Closing
NOTE: Group meditation may include light guidance. Group Practice sessions may include silent meditation and Insight Dialogue practice, reflection and dharma contemplation as well as movement and walking practice.
Please note that sessions will not be recorded.
Cancellation Policy:
Registration fees for online programs are nonrefundable after the program start date. Cancellations prior to the program start date will incur a $25 cancellation fee. For intensive, application-based programs, the cancellation fee is $50.
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.