mindfulness

– This Retreat is Full – “There’s More Than One Way to Skin an Ego: The Multiplicity of Meditations”: A 3-Night Residential Retreat with Santikaro at Lake Tahoe

September 14, 2018 ·

THIS RETREAT IS FULL AS OF 3/24/2019 AND IS NOT ACCEPTING NEW REGISTRATIONS AT THIS TIME — Please consider other DZIMC residential retreats, such as the August 2019 Heather Sundberg retreat or the November 2019 Denise Barclay retreat – THANK YOU!

Join us on the shores of beautiful Lake Tahoe for a 4-Day, 3-Night Residential Silent Meditation Retreat with Santikaro,
Sunday March 31, 3pm- Wednesday April 3, 1pm.

• As we encounter different types of meditation beyond what we started with, a key questions looms: What is the purpose of any practice or approach that we try or hear about? What needs do each practice or approach meet and how do they do so?

• In this 4-day retreat we will survey the main categories of meditation, as found in early Buddhist teachings, and practice an example of each.

• Having an overview of the broad meditative terrain — with all its diversity and competition for our practice time — will be helpful in assessing our true needs and choosing approaches that suit those needs.

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. Santikaro is a respected Buddhist scholar and translator, and was editor of Buddhadasa’s acclaimed book “Heartwood of the Bodhi Tree”. From his continuing studies he brings deep knowledge of the early Buddhist suttas and the human condition to bear on dharma study and practice in Nevada.

The peaceful setting under great pines offers a unique opportunity for silent meditation in a setting of stunning natural beauty. Situated at an exquisite retreat center right on the shore of Lake Tahoe, participants may enjoy walking meditation on the beach, and if weather permits, mindful kayaking on the lake.

Both beginners and experienced practitioners are welcome at this retreat. In addition to guided meditations and instruction, there will be ample opportunities for personal exploration while sitting and walking.

COST: $250 to $410 sliding scale
The estimated actual per-person cost is $310. By selecting an amount above this level, your generosity supports those who need to select a lower amount. Partial scholarships are also available; contact Karen below.

DANA (donation): Compensation for the teacher is not included in the registration fee. Santikaro offers the teachings freely in the tradition of the Buddha, and his livelihood is completely sustained by the generosity of the communities he serves.

TO REGISTER: Fill out the registration forms and liability waiver below either online or via U.S. mail and pay a $100 non-refundable deposit either online or via U.S. mail.

Flyer:

Santikaro 2019 flyer

REGISTRATION OPTIONS

REGISTER ONLINE:
REGISTER ONLINEClick Here to Register Online for Santikaro's Retreat.

PAY ONLINE:
Click the Donate Button below and fill in your payment amount.

VIA U.S. MAIL:
Download/Print
20190331-Santikaro RegForm2019

QUESTIONS? Contact Tom Gray at tom@dharmazephyr.org
or 775-846-4658

Photos by Tom Gray and Mark Breedon, respectively

Retreat from the Holidays – January 6, 2019

September 14, 2018 ·

Kathy Schwerin, Christy Tews and Angela Sullivan will co-lead this day of silence, mindfulness meditation and gentle movement. They will offer techniques to use throughout the year to center, calm and ground yourself. The day will be in silence except for instruction, a dharma talk and periods for question and answer. The retreat will be especially suited for those new to meditation. Experienced meditators will benefit from a quiet day of review and renewal.

Prepare for comfort with layered clothing.
Bring a sack lunch.
If you wish to sit on the floor, bring a cushion or bench. Chairs are provided.

Christy and Kathy are long-time friends and experienced meditators who co-founded Dharma Zephyr Insight Meditation Community. Angela Sullivan has practiced yoga for 30 years and is founder of Sun Mountain Yoga in Carson City. For full biographies of Christy and Kathy, please visit Dharma Zephyr Insight Meditation Community. Angela’s biography can be found at Sun Mountain Yoga.

There is no charge to attend the retreat. The generosity of your donation will go to Sierra Foot & Ankle and help support the teachers.

Retreat Flyer

“The Jhanas and Insight”: A 10 Day-9 Night Residential Retreat with Leigh Brasington at Lake Tahoe

September 24, 2017 ·

UPDATE: As of 8/6/2018, this retreat is full and no longer accepting additional registrations. If you wish to add your name to the waiting list you may do so by replying to Tom@dharmazephyr.org, but please do not attempt to make any payments unless you are notified that a spot has opened up for you (or unless your registration has already been accepted).

The jhanas are eight progressive altered states of consciousness that can be identified with the aspect of the Buddha’s Eightfold Path called right concentration. Training in concentration leads to these states, each of which yields a deeper and subtler state of awareness than the previous one. The jhanas are not in themselves awakening, but they are a skillful means for stilling the mind in a way that leads in that direction, and they are attainable by anyone who devotes the time and sincerity of practice necessary to realize them. Jhana practice is helpful for gaining the deep insights necessary for ending personal suffering. The jhanas are an advanced topic in Buddhist meditation. Learning the jhanas comes more easily for those who have previously attended at least two one-week or longer silent meditation retreats and have a daily meditation practice of 45 minutes or more.

Leigh Brasington is a teacher of insight meditation who was the senior American student of the late Venerable Ayya Khema, who authorized him to teach the jhanas. Leigh has taught them, along with other insight practices, at well over one hundred residential retreats throughout the United States and Europe. He is casual and warm, and is skilled at providing individualized instruction during retreats. Leigh is also the author of the excellent and helpful book “Right Concentration, A Practical Guide to the Jhanas,” which was published in 2015.

This residential retreat will take place at scenic Camp Galilee on the lovely eastern shore of Lake Tahoe. The retreat is offered in one 10-day (9-night) length.

COST: $670-$1,030 sliding scale, plus a voluntary donation (dana) to the teacher at the end of the retreat. The estimated actual per-person fixed rate cost for this retreat is $815. By selecting a rate above this level, your generosity supports those who need to select a lower rate to attend. Partial scholarships may also be available. The registration cost includes comfortable accommodation in a shared cabin, three delicious vegetarian meals each day, and staff services. Depending on attendance, single-occupancy rooms may be available upon request for $350 extra.

A minimum $250 deposit is required to secure your spot. The remaining balance is due by September 19, 2018, unless you are registering after September 19, 2018, in which case your full fee is due upon registration. Please make checks out to: Dharma Zephyr.

Compensation for the teacher is not included in the registration fee. There will be an opportunity at the end of the retreat to offer dana/donations to support the teacher and his ongoing efforts of serving the dhamma.

CANCELLATION: The $250 deposit is non-refundable. Cancellation by September 19, 2018: full refund except deposit. Cancellation between September 19, 2018 and October 10, 2018: one half of all payments except deposit. Cancellation after October 10, 2018: no refund.

Flyer: Flyer for Jhanas and Insight Retreat

REGISTRATION OPTIONS

VIA U.S. MAIL:
Download/Print
REGISTRATION FORM – Leight Brasington 2018

REGISTER ONLINE:

PAY ONLINE:
Click the Donate Button below and fill in your payment amount.

QUESTIONS? Contact Tom Gray at tom@dharmazephyr.org or (775) 846-4658

Photos by Tom Gray and Mark Breedon, respectively