This retreat will explore a simple yet powerful teaching: the difference between what happens and how we respond to what happens — in other words, our attitude.

The backdrop of the retreat will be a relaxed, receptive and steady awareness. Within this way of being present, we’ll give particular attention to the attitudes of mind that accompany our experience. We’ll learn to recognize how these attitudes can be flavored with suffering, such as craving, aversion or confusion, or flavored with well-being, such as interest, equanimity, or kindness.

As we become more attuned to these attitudes, we’ll discover that even when experience is unpleasant, relating to it with a wholesome attitude can bring a real sense of ease. The more we recognize and nurture these attitudes, the more naturally they begin to arise, even once we leave the retreat. This practice not only offers relief in itself, but also paves the way for deeper wisdom and love to emerge.

The teachings offered will be rooted in the vipassanā meditation style of the Burmese monk Sayadaw U Tejaniya.

Each day will have alternating periods of sitting and walking meditation, as well as morning instructions, a Dhamma talk, and a heart-based meditation. There will also be small group practice discussions.

The retreat will be held in noble silence. Both beginners and experienced meditators are welcome.

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.)