Concentration Retreat Intro

In this introduction to the practice of retreat we will review setting retreat boundaries and the levels of concentration we can accomplish through continual familiarity with one meditation object.

During the silent retreat that follows, the center will be open for intermediate meditators who wish to deepen their practice of concentration in four sessions. Silence will be observed within the center during retreat.

Each session will begin with the preparatory practices of prayers, up to visualizing receiving blessings from Buddha Shakyamuni and all the Enlightened Beings.

The remainder of the session will be in silence with no concluding prayers. Timed chimes will alert participants to each session’s end.

GUIDELINES FOR THIS 2-DAY RETREAT

• Please come prepared with your meditation object. When training in developing concentration we practice meditating on the same object in all sessions. Examples of meditation objects : Death and Impermanence, Renunciation, Compassion, Taking, Giving, Emptiness of the Body
• Please arrive early so you can start prayers on time. Coming late will disrupt others’ session.
• Once the session starts, please be prepared not to leave your cushion or chair. This determination will support your practice as well as prevent disturbing each other’s practice.

Cost to attend whole retreat including introductory talk – $40.
Introductory talk on Friday – $10.
Each stand-alone session – $5.

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