This insight meditation retreat deepens our understanding and strengthens our clarity, empowering us to not be fooled by the bullshit of samsara in daily life. Practices focus on analytical meditation undertaken in the four postures: sitting, walking, standing and lying down.

Meditation practice manifests in two aspects: the still mind (clear sky) and the moving mind (clouds).

The first two weeks of this retreat focuses on the still mind, deepening our understanding, which leads to freedom from karma. The second two weeks focuses on the moving mind, strengthening our clarity and providing increased freedom of manifestation.

The integration and balance of these two provide a fuller, more complete awakening, which translates to a greater ability to benefit more beings and a greater alleviation of suffering.

Sensei's teachings will draw on a combination of fundamental texts, including: Mahamudra: Eliminating the Darkness of Ignorance, by the 16th Karmapa, Seven Stages of Purification and Insight Knowledges, by the Venerable Mahathera, and Practical Insight Meditation, by Ven. Mahasi Sayadaw

Meditators are encouraged to take advantage of the entire month for their practice. However, if this is not possible, a two-week option is possible.

Part One: 2 weeks. Still mind (clear sky), deepening the understanding, leading to freedom from karma

Part Two: 2 weeks. Moving mind (clouds), strengthening the clarity, leading to increased freedom of manifestation

These courses provide a precious opportunity to receive teachings and do a significant body of meditative practice. Retreatants are also asked to contribute 1-2 hours of karma yoga per day, supporting the course (such as preparing meals or cleaning) or the center in some way. Please inform the retreat organizer if you have specialized skills you'd like to offer.

Karma yoga is cultivation of the path of service, allowing us to generate merit through devotion of our life energy to the flourishing of the dharma and the wellbeing of the community of practitioners. This practice polishes our hearts and minds as it wears down the ego-oriented boundaries between self and other, like the flow of running water polishes river stones. By helping us to overcome our preference-mind (ego attachment to likes and dislikes), it strengthens our ability to relate skillfully with others, and proffers the gift of the Divine Abidings: loving kindness, compassion, empathetic joy and equanimity.

Please arrive between 9^th and 11^th Feb. for Part One

For Part Two, arrival date is 26^th Feb.

Part One is not a prerequisite for Part Two.

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"Willful Blindness" with Cecilie Kwiat

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