RETREAT DESCRIPTION
The Seven Factors of Awakening are at the heart of Buddhist practice. These qualities can be thought of as “anti-hindrances” because they counteract those forces in the mind that keep us in delusion. Through cultivating mindfulness, investigation, energy, joy, tranquility, concentration and equanimity, we are transforming ingrained habits that limit our growth and block our healing, opening our hearts and minds to greater freedom. First making peace with life as it is by starting where we are, we will then see that these seven factors form a natural progression, each one leading to the next, setting the wheel of awakening rolling.
We will create a monastic environment during our time together, offering an opportunity to explore the Dhamma in a setting that differs somewhat from a typical meditation retreat. In the spirit of the monastic lifestyle, we will be following the Eight (or seven) Precepts, taking only what is offered, mindfully participating in the daily routine, and attempting to reflect on our every activity as part of our practice. This will include Noble Silence, morning and evening chanting, sitting and walking meditation, and daily Dhamma teachings. There will be opportunities for group practice discussions along with Q&A during the retreat. An optional daily period of yoga or movement will be offered and led by Emily Carpenter.
Prerequisite: You must have sat at least one three-day or weekend retreat in order to attend. This is an all dana retreat.
2023 CURRENT COVID-19 PROTOCOLS:
A vaccination requirement is still in place for all participants on this retreat. Follow this link for more information about the vaccine requirement, including an avenue for medical exemption.
Participants will be housed in single sleeping rooms.
We require the following schedule of rapid testing with negative results: 1) on the Tuesday prior to the retreat stat; 2) on the Friday start-day of the retreat; and 3) on Monday during the retreat for any retreats longer than 3 nights.
We continue to require all retreatants, **teachers and staff to remain masked until all participants conduct the Monday testing with negative results. At that point masking becomes optional. (**With consent of the group, teachers will teach without masks starting the first night but remain masked along with the group at all other times.)
The retreat container will be constructed in accordance with the current covid-19 conditions at the time to maximize individual and group health. All participants will be required to follow all covid-19 health and safety guidelines in place at Cloud Mountain. We reserve the right to adjust expectations of acceptable behaviors within the retreat environment to respond most appropriately to covid-19 conditions. PLEASE FOLLOW THIS LINK FOR UPDATED INFORMATION ABOUT OUR COVID-19 HEALTH AND SAFETY PROTOCOLS.
SCHOLARSHIP INFO
Scholarship funds are available on all retreats to assist those with financial challenges. For more information, read the Scholarship section of our overview information.
RETREAT COST
$100 plus dana offerings to teacher(s) and staff
TEACHERS
To learn more about a teacher, please click on their photo.