Description
Joy is a translation of the pali word mudita. Also translated as buoyancy and appreciative joy, it is the delight we feel when we experience happiness within and around us. Witnessing happiness, our heart can become light and joyful in response, instead of dwelling in comparing and competing. This bright and buoyant joy allows us to celebrate and support those around us even when they are already doing well.
The third of the brahma vihārās, joy is a mind state, a set of practices, and a general orientation that one can extend toward all beings. The four brahma vihārās can be cultivated together to develop a balanced way of responding to others with kindness and compassion.
Join this half-day retreat to explore ways to encourage and cultivate joy, with guidance from CIMC’s Guiding Teacher, Narayan Helen Liebenson.
This is part of a series of half-day retreats. Each retreat stands alone, but taken together they may illuminate the breadth, depth, and transformative potential of the Buddhist path. You may attend one, some, or all:
- 2/21 Inquiry (online)
- 10/16 Joy (online)
- 10/17 Inner Balance (hybrid)
All are warmly welcome.
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.