The Experienced Practitioners Weekend Retreat offers an intensive opportunity to practice in the company of other dedicated practitioners. The meditation instructions offered will be suitable for those who have walked the Eightfold Noble Path for some time (three or more years) and are interested in deepening their practice through the ancient forms originally taught by the Buddha. One of the many beautiful aspects of this retreat is the invitation to merge one’s everyday life with one’s dharma practice.
Undertaking an online retreat in our home environment encourages us to integrate these teachings into our lives more directly, even as we cultivate a sense of connection with others through our shared experiences. In addition to periods of group sitting practice, this retreat includes open periods of individual practice in the four postures of sitting, walking, standing and lying down. This format is intended to encourage making the practice one’s own, and it offers the invitation to be aware and fluid in all four postures. This is called the practice of “evening out the postures” which means bringing an equally caring attentiveness to each posture.
On Saturday evening, after a short dharma teaching, there is a shared dharma talk in which a meditative question is presented. This question is responded to and investigated by those present who wish to share their process, challenges and understanding in the context of a non-judgmental and generous-spirited group.
This program is appropriate for experienced meditators who have been practicing Vipassana with dedication and perseverance for at least three years and who have sat one or more intensive silent retreats. Participants are expected to have a current daily meditation practice.
Éowyn Ahlstrom will offer Mindful Movement both days.
Schedule:
Saturday: 10:00am – 7:00pm
Sunday: 10:00am – 5:30pm
Full and partial scholarships are available.