Emotions include the entire bundle of reactive body states, feelings, perceptions, intentions, and self-centered consciousness. Emotion is normal and essential for our existence in this world, but it is also what keeps us hooked. The Buddha did not teach a self-help program for getting rid of afflictive emotions and gaining pleasant ones, but he did show how to harness the fundamental instinctive drive for our own welfare.

Ayya Sobhana teaches an approach to afflictive emotions based on the Buddha’s teaching on the “five aggregates of clinging.” By mindfully observing and fully understanding the process of the five aggregates, we can learn to let go of attachment and identification with them. With this letting go comes the experience of freedom, clarity, forgiveness, and compassion for the entire emotional process—both in oneself and in others. This state of balance and clarity allows us to develop the path of Buddhism fully.

This retreat is intended for practitioners who can see their own reactivity of body and mind to emotional triggers and desire a more peaceful, light-hearted relationship with the inevitable challenges, difficulties and failures of life. It will include instructions for sitting and walking meditation, Dhamma talks, individual interviews, and group discussion.