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LGBTQI Retreat: Taking Refuge

Program Type:
Teacher:
Time:9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Date:Saturday - November 9, 2019
Sessions:1
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As LGBTQI people, we come together in practice, taking refuge and turning towards that which truly matters in our lives, for the highest good of all.

Taking refuge is an inner journey. When we “take refuge” we open to a place of sanctuary, a place that is safe, a place we can rely on. In this tradition, we may find safety and inspiration by taking refuge in the Triple Gem: the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha.

In these challenging times, finding refuge is vital for LGBTQI folks and for our world! During this silent retreat, we will explore and practice the blessing of each of these Refuges.

Taking Refuge in the Buddha, we reflect on the inspiration of the Buddha's life, turning towards our own innate goodness as well as that of others. We commit ourselves to Awakening, the remembrance of our true and beautiful nature.

Taking Refuge in the Dharma, we reflect on the Buddha's teachings and undertake practices that cultivate wisdom, compassion and skillful action so that we can live our lives with understanding, kindness and love. We walk the path of awakening in life, resolving to live in accordance with what is true.

Taking Refuge in the Sangha, we reflect on the power of community and remember that we are not alone. We discover that our happiness, sorrow and awakening are interconnected with others. Together, we begin healing the centuries of oppression and trauma with a deep knowing of the interdependence of all beings and all things.

This program is appropriate for both new and experienced meditators. Join us for a day of practice in community. There will be periods of sitting and walking, guided meditation as well as reflections to support your practice. There will also be plenty of time for questions and comments. All LGBTQI folk are welcome.

 

The prerequisite for this program is that you are part of the LGBTQI Alphabet. All LGBTQI folk are welcome.

Retreats

  • CIMC retreats are non-residential; overnight accommodation is not available.
  • Please arrive at least 15 minutes early to check in and to find a comfortable place in the meditation hall.
  • At check-in participants will be asked to volunteer for a short period of mindful work during the retreat—a “yogi job.” Yogi jobs enable the smooth running of the retreat and offer an opportunity to practice alongside other retreat participants. (Half-Day Retreats do not include yogi jobs.)
  • Retreats are held in silence. Teachers expect all retreatants to honor a commitment to abstain from using cell phones or other electronic devices—whether inside the building or not—for the duration of the retreat.
  • Parking at CIMC is limited; we suggest taking public transportation to the Center whenever possible.
  • CIMC provides delicious meals at all day-long, weekend and multi-day retreats. These vegetarian meals are prepared by CIMC volunteer cooks, and a list of ingredients will be provided for all dishes.
  • We are unable to accommodate special dietary needs. 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 offer the option to sponsor the cost of the retreat meals for all attendees, as a simple and meaningful act of generosity. By contributing in this way, you can opt to have a dedication posted at the retreat, perhaps to someone in your life, to a special occasion or to an aspiration. Please contact the office for more information on offering meal dana for this retreat.
  • Food and beverages, including water, are not allowed in the meditation halls.
  • We strongly recommend you dress in layers since the temperature in the meditation hall will vary throughout the day. The hall thermostat is set to a comfortable temperature; however, please give yourself a range of clothing options, as individual preferences for warmth or coolness differ widely and cannot be accommodated.
  • Please be sure to leave shoes on the shoe shelves on the first floor, and to keep your valuables with you at all times.
  • CIMC provides zafus (round cushions), zabutons (large mats), meditation benches, blankets and chairs for your use. At the end of the program, we request that participants brush off their zabuton and plump up their zafu. All other items should be returned neatly to where they were found.
  • While at the Center all phones, pagers, beeping watches and other electronic devices must remain completely turned off.
  • Some people who practice at the Center have chemical sensitivities or environmental illnesses and experience adverse reactions when exposed to scented products. 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.