Our minds wander in circles and patterns. We repeat them over and over, giving birth to me-ing and my-ing, followed by egoistic decay and death. This is the meaning of “saṃsāra.” Skillful Dhamma practice looks carefully into the nature of how minds, thoughts, memories, emotions, and narratives wander and spin. Skillful inquiry and insight leads to disentangling. When mindfulness, focused attention, compassion, joy, and understanding are thus unencumbered, we awaken to the stillness we’ve been longing for — even when everything around us is swirling and churning madly.

Within a framework of mindful living, formal meditation, noble silence, dedication, and sangha we will explore the saṃsāras we habitually find ourselves in. Dhamma teachings will guide contemplations that shed light on the concocted nature of these patterns and thus reveal the unconcocted potential that is always right here. Some of these teachings will be drawn from a new book by Buddhadāsa Bhikkhu, Seeing with the Eye of Dhamma.

To support deepening contemplation, we cultivate mindfulness, wise effort, and calm focus. Experienced meditators can do so using the meditation practices they know best. In addition, guidance in mindfulness with breathing and other grounding practices will be provided. A schedule of sitting and walking sessions will support group harmony. Supported by the safe, friendly, and beautiful space for retreat that Cloud Mountain provides, we will enjoy wholesome living, healthy food, noble silence, and community of practice. Santikaro will be available for one-on-one and small-group practice interviews.

Partial attendance is not offered on this retreat. Additionally, please consider attending this retreat only if your current life circumstances allow you to engage in an important modern renunciation practice of staying offline and off phone/text during the entire course of the retreat (some exceptions related to pressing family situations may be granted.)