August 1- 10: 9 days with Santikaro

Vipassana

During this retreat we will cultivate the path of Samatha-Vipassana and Anapanasati (mindfulness with breathing) as taught in the Buddha's discourses. We will examine and practice according to the original sources, where anapanasati is offered as the most thorough way to practice the four foundations of mindfulness, cultivate concentration, and foster vipassana in order to navigate the noble eightfold path of liberation from suffering. We will explore the practice on the cushion and while walking, as well as in application to ordinary life. Practice will be supported by daily instruction, Q&A sessions, and personal interviews. Daily talks will reflect on the central Dhamma teachings of early Buddhism that nurture the right view needed to practice wisely and cultivate liberation of mind. Our routine will also include Sutta recitation and posture instruction.

Santikaro, was ordained as a Theravada monk in 1985, and subsequently trained at Suan Mokkh with Buddhadasa Bhikkhu, a leading Thai teacher, scholar, and reformer of Theravada Buddhism. He became Ajahn Buddhadasa's primary English translator and was abbot of nearby Suan Atammayatarama. He is a founding member of Think Sangha, a community of socially engaged Buddhist thinker-activists that has given special attention to the ethical and spiritual impact of consumerism and militarism. He teaches Buddhism and meditation with an emphasis on the early Pali sources, and is a lucid interpreter of the original teachings and discourses. In 2001, he returned to the USA's Midwest, and to lay life in 2004. He is the founder of Liberation Park, a modern American expression of Buddhist practice, study, and social responsibility within community. There he continues to teach, translate the work of his teacher, and work for a Dhammic society.

Retreat cost: $450 plus dana offering.  Register Here

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August 15 - 28; 13 days with Leigh Brasington

Meditative Absorptions (Jhanas) and Insight (Vipassana)

This retreat will emphasize the application of the meditative absorptions in a regular sitting practice and is suitable only for experienced meditators with prior retreat experience (in any Buddhist tradition). The Jhanas, commonly called the meditative absorptions, are a method of one-pointed concentration taught in the Theravadan Buddhist tradition. The retreat will emphasize the teaching of this technique and will be held in Noble Silence with sitting and walking meditation and personal interviews. Partial attendance is not offered. Prerequisite: you must have sat at least two seven-day retreats in order to participate in this retreat.

Leigh Brasington has been practicing since 1985 and is the senior American student of the late Ven. Ayya Khema. She confirmed Leigh's practice and requested that he begin teaching. Leigh assisted Ven. Ayya Khema's teaching on retreat since 1994, and continues to teach in Europe and North America.Visit Leigh's Web Site.

Retreat cost: $650 plus dana offering. Register Here
Please include a comprehensive resume of your retreat experience with your registration materials.
• See deposit schedule and special cancellation policies for the 2 week-long retreat here.
• Print out Travel Info from here.

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August 29 - September 5; 7 days with Rodney Smith

Vipassana for Experienced Students

It is the intention of this retreat to serve the needs of the more experienced student and to encourage the next step in your growth. The retreat format will include silent sitting and walking meditation, meetings with the teacher and evening dharma talks. The prerequisites for this retreat are: three or more years of vipassana meditation used as your primary spiritual method; plus a total of three or more retreats of one week or longer in the insight tradition; plus a willingness to challenge oneself.

Rodney Smith has been practicing Insight meditation since 1975 including several years as a Buddhist monk in Asia. He has been teaching meditation since 1984 and worked in hospice care for 16 years. He is the guiding teacher for the Seattle Insight Meditation Society, is a Senior Teacher for the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, MA, and author of the book, Lessons From The Dying.

Retreat cost: $375 plus dana offering.  Register Here
Note: Please include a comprehensive resume of your retreat experience along with your standard registration materials.

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