In this retreat we will use the Buddha’s teachings on Mindfulness of the Body as the working ground for our wisdom awareness practice. In the Rohitassa Sutta, the Buddha states that “it is in this fathom-long body with its perception and mind that I describe the world, its origin, its cessation, and the practice that leads to its cessation.” Awareness of body provides the appropriate grounding for our insight practice. It is safe to say that there is no freedom without freedom with this body.

This retreat will be held in Noble Silence and will include daily mindful Qigong sessions, guided lovingkindness meditations, and opportunities for small group and individual practice interviews. The daily schedule will also include instructions in sitting and walking meditation, evening talks and working meditations.

From the Buddha’s own words on the importance of mindfulness immersed in the body:

“Whoever pervades the great ocean with one’s awareness encompasses whatever rivulets flow down into the ocean. In the same way, whoever develops & pursues mindfulness immersed in the body encompasses whatever skillful qualities are on the side of clear knowing.”

“When one thing is practiced & pursued, the body is calmed, the mind is calmed, thinking & evaluating are stilled, and all qualities on the side of clear knowing go to the culmination of their development. Which one thing? Mindfulness immersed in the body.”

“When one thing is practiced & pursued, ignorance is abandoned, clear knowing arises, the conceit ‘I am’ is abandoned, latent tendencies are uprooted, fetters are abandoned. Which one thing? Mindfulness immersed in the body.”

“Those who do not taste mindfulness of the body do not taste the Deathless. Those who taste mindfulness of the body taste the Deathless. Those who are heedless of mindfulness of the body are heedless of the Deathless. Those who comprehend mindfulness of the body comprehend the Deathless.”

— AN 1.225, 227, 230, 235, 239, 245