Residential Retreat with Santikaro at Lake Tahoe

Under the Bodhi Tree: Weathering the Onslaughts of Maras

On an earth-shaking full moon night in May, according to Buddhist tradition, the Great Awakening occurred under the Bodhi Tree. A number of Dhammas came to fruition, including the bodhisatta’s cultivation of mindfulness with breathing, deep inquiry into the nature of dukkha, and the realization of dependent co-arising, which culminated in full release from clinging to “me” and “mine.” Coincidentally, some Japanese traditions celebrate these momentous developments in November.

On this retreat we will celebrate the insights and practices mentioned above and will also consider how to apply them to the storms and challenges that tempt us in our lives, as Mara did the bodhisatta, to react with GAHFD, that is, the reactive egoisms such as greed, anger, hatred, fear, and delusion. How can we weather life’s storms and use them as opportunities for awakening in the footsteps of Buddha?
This retreat will expand on the mindfulness with breathing entryways that Santikaro introduced here in April 2015. And we will draw on the dependent co-arising teachings in Santikaro’s new translation, Under the Bodhi Tree (available in May). Noble silence, walking meditation, practice interviews, and other practices will supplement the above major themes.

This beautiful retreat center sits right on the shore of Lake Tahoe. It is an inspiring environment that enables participants to enjoy walking meditation on the beach, and if weather permits, mindful kayaking on the lake.

Santikaro means “Peace Worker.” While his life experiences — in the Peace Corps, 19 years of monkhood, and studying with Ajahn Buddhadasa in Thailand — may be different from ours, underneath that exotica we find the sturdy no-nonsense of the Midwesterner he is. He’s fun, insightful, and a great friend. From his continuing studies he brings deep knowledge of the early suttas and the human condition to bear on Dharma study and practice in Nevada.

COST: 7 nights for $630-$950 sliding scale, or 3 nights for $305-$525 sliding scale, plus a voluntary donation to the teacher at the end of the retreat. The estimated actual per-person cost for this retreat (if we used a fixed rate) is $735 for 7 nights and $375 for 3 nights. By selecting an amount above these levels, your generosity supports those who need to select a lower rate to attend the retreat. This sliding scale allows scholarship needs to be handled by self-selecting an amount lower than $735 or $375. The cost includes comfortable accommodation in a shared cabin, three delicious vegetarian meals each day, and staff services. Depending on attendance, a limited number of single-occupancy rooms may be available upon request for $400 extra. Space is limited and priority will be given to those registering for 7 nights. 3-night registrations and single-room requests will be confirmed in early October. Early registration is much appreciated as it assists in retreat planning.

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