Retreat Dates: July 22-24, 2011
Retreat Location: TSL – 307 Arthur’s Court, Fairplay, Colorado
Driving Directions: From Fairplay, take 9 south towards Hartsel. Go about 7 miles on 9 and take what is basically the first left on Redhill Rd. Turn left into the first driveway (which is the first left), to the house. As much as possible, people should car pool.
Accommodations: Limited space is available at the retreat house; bring bedding. Camping ok.
Contact: Steve Ring 303.679.0915 or TSL ((719)-836-2324)
Retreat Schedule: Friday – Prayers and Aspirations 5-6 PM, and dinner
Saturday & Sunday- Registration starting at 8:30 AM, retreat starts at 10 AM
Description:
This retreat will focus on two methods for cultivating meditative quiescence, or shamatha. Initially we will practice the “mindfulness of breathing,” which is an effective approach to soothing the body and calming the discursive mind. The second method of our focus is both a shamatha practice and a preliminary to Dzogchen, called “settling the mind in its natural state.” The attainment of shamatha is widely regarded in the Buddhist tradition as an indispensable foundation for the cultivation of contemplative insight (vipashyana), and this retreat is designed to provide participants with a sufficient theoretical understanding and a basis in experience to enable them to proceed effectively toward this extraordinary state of mental and physical balance.
Additional instruction will be offered on the cultivation of the four immeasurables: loving-kindness, compassion, empathetic joy, and equanimity. These qualities of the heart are so powerful that they can break down all the barriers that are created by attachment and aversion, opening our hearts boundlessly to all beings, which brings peace and happiness. Lectures and guided meditations will be interspersed with periods for group discussions and focus on the practical application of these practices in daily life. Participants are welcome to practice meditation in both the sitting (cross-legged or on a chair) position or in the supine position.
A donation of $150/single or $250/couple is suggested