In this retreat we will orient toward, and open to, the territory of profound emptiness/ absence – Cessation.  Cessation is the ceasing of all materiality and mentality – Nibbana itself.  We will do specific group and guided meditations which will invite us to open to qualities of Cessation and potentially Cessation itself.

EXPERIENCE PREREQUISITE: At least two silent, residential, 7-day Buddhist meditation retreats. Please include specifics of your retreat experience to verify that you meet these requirements on your registration form.

Stephen is the author of Demystifying Awakening: a Buddhist Path of Realization, Embodiment, and Freedom (March 2022), Buddha’s Heart, and Stress Reduction for Lawyers. He is the co-author of Practicing the Jhanas. Follow this link to hear Stephen and Rick Hanson in dialogue about Nibbana, the Unconditioned, Awakening, Identity and more.

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.)