Description
Calm and Insight — in Pali, samatha and vipassana — are at the heart of Buddhist practice. Samatha translates as calm, tranquility, inner balance, silence, and an initial level of inner peace. Vipassana translates as insight, wisdom, inquiry, and illumination which penetrates to the deepest level of peace.
These two qualities can’t really be separated — they are like the right and left hands — but we can emphasize one or the other as we respond to what is needed at any given time. It is essential to know how to cultivate calm and steadiness, to establish an initial level of inner peace. We learn to use this calm and steadiness as a basis for inquiry and the development of insight. The fruit of such practice is liberation here and now, for ourselves and for the benefit of all beings.
We will engage in formal practices of sitting and walking, as well as various approaches that will be offered throughout the retreat. Our time together will include instructions, talks, and opportunities for discussion and questions.
Attending an online retreat
- Sitting a retreat at home and online is undoubtedly different from coming to a meditation center. Tending to your comfort and giving yourself a quiet, private sitting and walking space (if possible, in your environment) will help keep your attention focused and support your practice and learning. Plan to bring as much simplicity and ease to your day as possible. The retreat schedule is structured to support your well-being and training with regular breaks and time for mindful movement.
- We will use Zoom for this retreat. Before your retreat begins, be sure to download Zoom and familiarize yourself with using the program, including the chat feature. Specifics about how we will use Zoom during your retreat will be covered initially; however, we cannot provide technical support.
- We ask that you treat our virtual meditation hall as if we were together in person, in the same room. The teachers and other yogis benefit significantly from your full presence and careful attention.
- Join each session of the retreat a few minutes early. This will support the teachers and your fellow retreatants.
- Please maintain noble silence as much as possible for the duration of the retreat and take any necessary steps to limit external distractions such as incoming emails, texts, or other interruptions to maintain the integrity of our practice together.
- Close all programs on your computer other than Zoom and turn off all notifications on your devices.
- Ideally, power off phones and smartwatches for the entire time scheduled for the retreat each day. Please don’t check your devices during breaks. We suggest you put an “away” message on your email and voicemail and leave your devices in another room during your retreat hours.
- Please keep your video on during our time together as much as possible. This supports a sense of connectedness and sangha.
- You will receive a welcome email from CIMC that includes the Zoom link, retreat schedule, and further information a day or two before your retreat.