December 27—January 9, 2011, 13 days with Tina Rasmussen and Stephen Snyder (Monday-Sunday)
Concentration Meditation: Purification of Mind
This retreat will focus on unique aspects of concentration meditation as it is intended—as a practice designed to purify the mind stream. The Samatha portion of the Buddhist path is often referred to as “Purification of Mind,” and does exactly that. We will explore the major landmarks that yogis encounter as the mind begins to cohere into a unified awareness (concentration), and as serenity allows for a deep settling. The purification of mind that occurs in concentration practice allows for many benefits both on and off the cushion, in further meditation practice as well as daily life. We will also explore the further reaches of the Samatha practice—the meditative absorptions known as “jhanas” that can potentially emerge as the fruition of practice. This retreat is taught in the lineage of Ven. Pa Auk Sayadaw of Burma, considered by many to be the leading living teacher of the jhanas.
Tina Rasmussen learned to meditate in 1976, at the age of 13. She has meditated daily since 1993. In 2003, she completed a year-long solo retreat, spending 8 to 12 hours every day engaged in spiritual practice. Her practices include the Jhanas, Vipassana, the Bramaviharas, Tibetan Dzogchen Rigpa, Qi Gong, and Yoga.
Tina has worked as an organizational development consultant for more than 20 years. She completed her Ph.D in 1995. At the age of 30, her first business book was published by McGraw-Hill. Her second book was published in 2006.
In 2005, Tina attended the 2-month jhana retreat with Ven. Pa Auk Sayadaw, who ordained her as a Theravada Buddhist nun. During the retreat, Tina became the first American and the first Western woman to complete the eight jhanas (as well as other practices) in the lineage of Ven. Pa Auk Sayadaw. Tina is the co-author of the book, Practicing the Jhanas, to be released by Shambhala Publications in 2009. Tina has been authorized to teach by Ven. Pa Auk Sayadaw, and now works as a spiritual mentor, professional coach, and OD consultant.
Stephen Snyder began practicing Buddhist meditation in 1976 at the age of 19, and has had a daily meditation practice from that time on. He practiced for 20 years with several Western Zen masters. He participated in more than 50 retreats, receiving several ordinations. His primary practices over the years have been Zen, the Tibetan Dzogchen Rigpa practice, and the Theravadan Jhanas. He has been a practicing lawyer and mediator for more than 25 years, also serving as an advisor to a number of Buddhist and spiritual teachers.
Stephen attended the two-month retreat with Ven. Pa Auk Sayadaw in 2005. He attained the eight jhanas (as well as other practices) in the span of the retreat, becoming the first American male to complete this attainment. Stephen is the co-author of the book, Practicing the Jhanas, to be released by Shambhala Publications in 2009. Stephen has been authorized to teach by Ven. Pa Auk Sayadaw, and now works as a spiritual mentor, professional coach, lawyer, and mediator.
Tina and Stephen are a married couple. Please visit their website at www.JhanasAdvice.com.
Students are required to have attended a minimum of two, 7-day silent mindfulness-vipassana retreats. Please include a retreat resume documenting your retreat experience with your registration form.
Click here for information pertaining to arrival, departure, and general retreat guidelines.
Retreat cost: $780 plus dana offering. 50% deposit of $390 required at the time of registration, remaining balance due by November 12, 2010. Register Here