Cooling the mind begins with developing our ability to resolve our own negative thoughts and emotions like desire, irritation, anger, resentment, confusion, etc., the things that make our mind “hot” and bring unhappiness. This first step in cooling the mind also includes learning skillful ways to deal with the negative attitudes and behaviors of others. Cooling continues with deepening states of calm and stillness on and off the cushion and comes to completion with full liberation.

Warming the heart is an essential part of our practice as we develop the mind and is usually accomplished through cultivation of generosity and the Brahmaviharas: kindness, compassion, appreciative joy and equanimity.

These practices for cooling and warming are found together in Pali suttas as training advice for lay and monastic practitioners, leading to awakening. Two such references are Aṅguttara Nikāya 8.63 and 3.66, noted below.

In this retreat, we will read and discuss these teachings and others from the suttas in the Pali Canon. We will use Noble Silence as a support and include daily meditation instructions, Dhamma talks, Q&A and practice meetings with the teachers.

This retreat is appropriate for beginning and experienced meditators. Its format is designed to give those who want more structure the framework and support they need, and to give seasoned practitioners the freedom and flexibility to guide their own schedule.

EXPERIENCE PREQREQUISITE: Successful completion of at least one residential, 6-day, silent, Buddhist meditation retreat.

SUTTA REFERENCES FROM THE ANGUTTARA NIKAYA:

“A Teaching in Brief” AN 8.63

“… You should train like this: ‘My mind will be steady and well settled internally. And bad, unskillful qualities that have arisen will not occupy my mind.’ … When your mind is steady and well settled internally, and bad, unskillful qualities that have arisen don’t occupy your mind, then you should train like this: ‘I will develop the heart’s release by loving kindness. I’ll cultivate it, make it my vehicle and my basis, keep it up, consolidate it, and properly implement it.’ That’s how you should train.

“With Sāḷha and His Friend” AN 3.66

“He understands thus: ‘Formerly, there was greed; that was unwholesome. Now there is none; thus this is wholesome. Formerly, there was hatred; that was unwholesome. Now there is none; thus this is wholesome. Formerly, there was delusion; that was unwholesome. Now there is none; thus this is wholesome.’

“Thus in this very life he dwells hungerless, quenched and cooled, experiencing bliss, having himself become divine.”

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.)