This event will take place through the Zen Community of Oregon, click here to register.
Living awake in this world is living on the brink of tenderness. As a human species and planet we are under-going a time of great uncertainty and change. Living through this time of change can illicit confusion, anxiety, grief, anger, rage and fear. Compassion gives us space to grieve, to deeply feel/experience our lives, our emotions and our connection with all beings.
Loving Kindness, Compassion, Forgiveness and Joy are embodied practices that welcome us into the heart of direct, honest feeling where the wisdom of our emotions is allowed to express. These simple yet radical heart-centered practices can help us find stability, peace of mind and a responsive connective heart in the midst of uncertainty, change and injustice. It is important to remember in any situation that the heart has the capacity to listen, to respond, to forgive and to find joy. Restore your heart to its inner resourcefulness. Your resilience comes from your ability to nurture compassion, forgiveness and joy.
These timeless practices are the Buddhist teachings of the Four Immeasurables, Divine Abidings. Abide in the tender welcome of your own heart.
We will offer guided and silent meditation sessions, body-practice sessions and recommendations about how to weave the practices of Compassion, Forgiveness and Joy into your daily life.
This is a silent retreat.
For those online. This retreat is something that you can design on your own, using the support of the retreat schedule. You are welcome to attend any or all of the sessions.
You will receive a link to the retreat once you register.
Doing a retreat at home can be empowering, take up the practice in your own home and know the peace and clarity of mind in your own dwelling place! To support doing a day of retreat in your home we recommend doing the following:
1. Reflect on your intention
2. Create a sacred space with a simple altar and meditation supports in a clean room that allows for calm/peace of mind
3. Commit to a schedule
4. Give up or reduce media, phone and extra computer use for the duration of the retreat
5. Keep the practice going during the “breaks” by engaging with Mindful Eating during meals and choosing simple work (gardening, cleaning, etc.), body practice/exercise (walking, yoga, qi gong) or creative projects that support your meditation practice/intention.
6. Consider being in silence for the full day, or practicing silence for specific periods during the day
7. If you live with others, communicate with them what your intention is for this day of practice and ask them to support you
Schedule
Friday Night
7:30 – 9:30P – Introduction /Opening Talk/Meditation
Saturday
6:00 – 8:00A – Guided & Silent Meditation/Guided Movement and Morning Chants
11A – 1:00P – Guided and Silent Meditation/Yoga and Mid-day Chant
3:30 – 5:30 – Meditation and Group Interviews and Evening Chant
7:00 – 9:30 – Guided Meditation/Formal Tea & Treat/Closing Chant
Sunday
6:30A – 7:00A – Guided & Silent Meditation/Stretching
7:00A – 8:30A – Closing Circle
10:00A – Chanting Service
10:25A – 11:20A – Silent & Guided Meditation
11:30A – Dharma Talk