- With Matthew Daniell

The Relaxed Mind: Meditations 1 and 2 - With Matthew Daniell

Sat 02/23/19 - 9:30am to 1:00pm

Could you use a little more relaxation in your meditation practice? In your life? Kilung Rinpoche in his book, ‘The Relaxed Mind,’ leads us through meditations that may have a unique contribution to what it means to be ‘relaxed.’ The approach is based in mindfulness, but also draws deep inspiration from Tibetan Buddhist wisdom, and is secular in its instructions. It emphasizes both ease, and relaxation, but also clarity.  It is designed to help us to undercut habits of making ourselves and others ‘right and wrong,’ and unlock a deep abiding capacity in ourselves for compassionate presence and relaxed wakeful ease. In this workshop we will be guided through exploring for ourselves the first two (basic sitting and working with an anchor for our attention) of the seven meditations, along with time for discussion.  This offering will complements later retreats which will feature one or more of the meditations in a progressive manner, but may also be taken on its own.  Matthew has worked with Kilung RInpoche for many years and has been authorized to teach this approach. No previous experience with these meditations is necessary. If interested, the reading Kilung Rinpoche’s book would be a wonderful complement to the retreat, but is in no way required.

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- With Matthew Daniell

Introduction to Insight Meditation (5 week class - 2/21-3/21) - With Matthew Daniell

Thu 02/28/19 - 7:00pm to 8:30pm

Insight meditation is a time tested method of mind training that enables us to change our relationship to each moment’s experience, and thus our lives. In this five week series we will systematically explore how to calm and steady the mind and see with more clarity into our lives.  As we strengthen this capacity we begin to move from suffering and reactivity to responsiveness, freshness and ease.  We learn to touch and live in the mindful moment.  Although this series is designed for beginners, all are welcome and students may choose to repeat this series as new material will be introduced each time.

This class will run from February 21st - March 21st..

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You must be pre-registered to attend this class.  There are no drop-in classes.

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- With Chas DiCapua

Cultivating the Paramis of Patience and Perseverance - With Chas DiCapua

Sat 03/09/19 - 9:00am to 5:00pm

Patience and Perseverance are two of the 10 Paramis we need to develop to continue to cultivate the Noble Eightfold Path. We are at the mercy of the ripening of our karma from moment to moment. What can arise in our hearts and minds can be difficult and repetitive. It takes much patience to be able to meet this material with a heart and mind that is non-reactive.

The pace of change and the non-linear nature of how the Dharma unfolds in not something we are used to and the result can be some form of frustration. In addition, the way forward can seem unclear. When faced with these difficulties in practice, we need to learn to persevere and simply take the next step.

We will use the very material that arises in our hearts and minds to develop Patience and Perseverance during this retreat. As these qualities are drawn forward in our hearts and minds, we can experience the freedom that comes with knowing that whatever arises, we have two important and powerful qualities of heart and mind to meet them with.

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There is also an optional morning half day retreat from 9am-12:30pm.  ($30/$40)

NOTE:  For those staying for the entire day, lunch is included with your registration fee.  However, if you register for this retreat after Thursday, March 7th, please bring your own lunch as we have already taken a final count for the volunteer who makes the soup.

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- With Matthew Daniell

Exploring Aging, Sickness and Death as Gateways to Living a Fuller Life - With Matthew Daniell

Sat 03/16/19 - 10:00am to 4:30pm

The Buddha taught that old age, illness, and the inevitability of death can be powerful positive teachers in our lives. In this workshop we will combine discussion, reflection, and silent meditation periods to help us explore how these universal themes can actually help wake us up to a richer, more fulfilling life, now. All are welcome.

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NOTE:  If you register for this workshop after Thursday, March 14th, please bring your own lunch as we have already taken a final count for the volunteer who makes the soup.

To pay by check or read our refund policy, click here