About this Event
Our next half day silent meditation retreat is this coming June the 8th from 12 noon - 6 pm. During this time together we will explore the Four Establishments also called Foundations of Mindfulness. The retreat will be a combination of talks and meditations on each four of the teachings, the meditations will include both guided and silent practice as well as walking meditation. There will be guided movement practice as well during each quarter of the program. There will also be multiple break periods. Snacks and refreshments will be offered as part of the donation fee. A detailed schedule will be posted on the retreat page at our website, https://www.sitraleigh.com/retreats-and-events in the next few days, schedule subject to reality!
What to expect...
This retreat is open to everyone. The setting is an open yoga studio. There will be meditation cushions for sitting on the floor and chairs for those who choose to not sit on a cushion. You can also bring your own cushion if you prefer. There will be four 20-25 minute meditations, four 5 minute meditations and a number of walking meditation practices. Each of the four talks will be 20 -25 minutes. While the retreat will be mostly silent, there will be opportunities for questions at the end of each talk and in the middle. If you are new to meditation try to sit often working up to the retreat so you feel comfortable with the amount of sitting we will do.
Basic meditation instruction will be given at the begining of the day as well as posture suggestions.
About the teaching...
This teaching we will work with during this retreat is from the Buddha and is known as the Satipatthana Sutta, the Direct Path to realization. While I cannot promise anyone will become a fully realized being during a half day meditation retreat, what I hope will be transferred is an understanding of what the Buddha taught - what these four establishments are about and what practicing them can bring to your life. The four etablishments are Breath and Body, Feeling Tones, Mind States and Dhammas. If you want to get a primer and are interested in some deep reading consider the book by Bhikkhu Analayo, "Satipatthana, the direct path to realization" . Windhorse publications has this book and a practice guide along with guided meditations to practice.
There is also an earlier book by Thich Nhat Hanh, " Transformation and Healing: Sutra on the Four Establishments of Mindfulness" that is a good resource on this foundational practice of the Buddha. For more information on the retreat check out RETREAT page on the site here. You can sign up on EVENTBRITE (link will be available later today)
If you have any questions please feel free to reach out.
See you on the cushion.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Ashtanga Yoga School of Raleigh, 302 Pebble Creek Drive, Cary, United States
USD 25.00
