Description
It is rare that men intentionally get together around things other than sports or projects. Just the fact that men would gather with the intention to explore themselves and their relationship to the world is something wondrous.
As men, when we look closely at ourselves and how we are in the world, our place in the patriarchal landscape can begin to become clear. An essential part of our Dharma practice is seeing clearly into and coming to terms with this particular form of suffering. We explore, we ask ourselves, “How do we stop inadvertently causing harm in this world?” In our Dharma practice, we also explore the unique gifts that we, as men, can bring to this world. How can the energy of unconscious patriarchy and male privilege be transformed and used to support, inspire, love, and connect?
This retreat invites people across the gender spectrum who identify as men to spend a day together practicing, sharing wisdom, and offering mutual support. We will use meditation, contemplative inquiry, and the teaching of the Dharma to strengthen compassion, sharpen investigation, and build community. The schedule will include several periods of silent sitting meditation, walking meditation, and time for discussion to support this exploration.
This program is appropriate for both new and experienced meditators. All people across the gender spectrum who identify as men are welcome. Our time together will include sitting meditation with instructions, talks, and time for discussion and questions.
Attending an in-person retreat
- CIMC is a refuge. Out of compassion for those with chemical sensitivities, please avoid using scented products—lotions, deodorant, after-shave, hair products, perfume, clothes laundered with scented detergent, or dryer sheets—before you come to the Center.
- Please arrive at least 20 minutes early to check in and find a comfortable place in the meditation hall.
- Parking at CIMC is limited; we suggest you take public transportation to the Center whenever possible.
- Retreats are held in silence. Please power off your cell phone, smartwatch, and other electronic devices for the retreat. All phones, pagers, beeping watches, and other electronic devices must remain completely turned off while you are at the Center.
- Please leave your shoes on the shoe shelves on the first floor and keep your valuables with you.
- We provide vegetarian meals at day-long, weekend, and multi-day retreats. We are unable to accommodate special dietary needs, however. If you have dietary restrictions, we invite you to bring your own vegetarian meal. Please note that nuts may be used in our kitchen.
- Retreat Meal Dana: In keeping with tradition, we invite you to sponsor a retreat meal as a simple and meaningful act of generosity. You can share a dedication of your generosity, perhaps to someone in your life, a special occasion, or an aspiration. Please contact the office for more information on offering Meal Dana for this retreat.
- The meditation halls do not allow food and beverages, including water.
- We strongly recommend you dress in layers since the temperature in the meditation hall varies throughout the day. The hall thermostat is set to a comfortable temperature range; however, it’s best to have a range of clothing options, as individual preferences for warmth or coolness differ widely and cannot be accommodated.
- Masks are optional. Some masks are available at the entrance of the Center.
- CIMC provides zafus (round cushions), zabutons (large mats), meditation benches, blankets, and chairs. At the end of the program, we request that participants brush off their zabutons and plump up their zafus. All other items should be returned neatly to where they belong.