No one is free until we are all free

Event Description

In this era of polycrisis, it’s tempting to retreat into the comfort of like-minded groups. Yet, bridging political divides is essential for meaningful and lasting change.

How can we keep our hearts open to everyone, knowing that some people unfairly hold disproportionate power and resources? How can we remain compassionate toward individuals while resisting the unjust systems they uphold—systems that perpetuate colonialism, environmental destruction, and genocide? How do we hold care for the people who have power over us? And how do we navigate conversations with beloved relatives who won’t stop spouting Fox News propaganda? How can we say no to injustice while keeping our hearts open?

On this retreat, we will deepen our sense of interconnection with all beings through Buddhist mindfulness practices. Together, we’ll explore how queers may have a unique viewpoint to embrace the sacred opportunity to care for all beings, while staying mindful of systemic power and its impact.

Schedule

9:30 – Registration opens, please arrive before 10:00am

10:00 – Welcome, introductions, opening ritual

11:00 – Dharma talk and stationary practice

12:30 – Lunch

1:15 – Walking meditation

2:00 – Guided stationary practice

2:45 – Pair share + large group report back

3:30 – Q&A

3:50 – Closing ritual

4:00 – End (and kitchen hang outs if you would like to socialize)

FAQ

Accessibility: What is the space like?

• The space is a zen meditation centre. There are cushions on the wood floor, a Buddhist altar, an entrance hall and a kitchen
• Chairs, cushions, and meditation benches are available in the space, and you're welcome to bring your own gear if you prefer
• There will be about 10-20 people in the space
• There are two single stall, gender free washrooms
• The overhead lights will be dimmed
• This is a masked space (please see COVID precautions FAQ)
• While we may use the language of “sitting practice” or “a sit”, if you prefer lying down there will be space and extra cushions to do so.
• We ask that you arrive with your phone turned off or in airplane mode as one of our attendees has sensitivities to EMF
• The space is scent free
• Wheelchair accessible
• There is ample street parking available and the centre is close to a bus stop
• Coats and shoes stay in the entrance hall and valuables go in the kitchen
• The kitchen has a fridge, microwave, kettle, plates, utensils and mugs

Do I have to be Buddhist to attend?

• You do not have to be Buddhist to attend, or have any particular level of meditation experience. The teachings are meant for all and there will be no pressure to convert. An important tenet in Buddhist teachings is ehipasiko, to see for yourself, if the practices are a fit for you. Arti will be teaching Buddhism, not secular mindfulness.

What COVID precautions are you taking?

• Everyone will wear a mask inside except for when eating or drinking. There will be a HEPA filter on. We will have a collective lunch break and so that will be the only time when there may be many of us unmasked at once. Please do not attend if you’re experiencing any covid symptoms; contact [email protected] for a refund.

Food and Drink

• Dedicated practitioner and caterer, Ky Sargeant of Kuan Yin Kitchen catering will be offering lunch at the retreat!
• Ky will be offering food based on a dana/ pay what you can model
• You can pay her with cash, card, etransfer when you receive your food
• The meal will be a simple vegetarian dish
• If you would like to bring your own lunch, you are welcome to do so (although seriously, Ky is an amazing cook)
• Various teas and water will be available
• You’re welcome to hang out after the retreat for a little bit; please bring snacks for the group to share

What is noble silence?

• This day-long retreat will be in noble silence, except when asking questions or when there is group discussion time. Noble silence is an invitation to let the energy that normally goes into speaking be turned inward into our practice. If you have a logistical question or need to speak to Arti, that is absolutely okay. Please do not speak to other participants to respect each other’s deepening concentration
• Please refrain from using your phone as much as possible

What to bring?

• A spoon, bowl and mug for lunch if you opt for catering
• altar items
• a mask
• fidgets if that would be supportive
• lunch if you opt out of the catering option (see food FAQ)
• snacks if you would like to socialize afterwards and offer snacks to the collective
• water bottle (although there are cups available)
• Your own sitting gear if you prefer (there is a lot available at the Centre)
• cozy blanket or thick socks/ slippers to stay warm while meditating
• Comfortable and “quiet” clothes (no nylon pants or jackets)
• Please arrive scent free (including any natural scents like essential oils)
• cash or cards for dana for catering and for the teachings

What is dana? Why are you charging a $15 fee to register? Does the registration fee include dana?

• Dana translates to generosity in Pali, the language of the Buddha. The teachings have been freely offered for 2600 years, however, we do live in capitalism. I need to pay the rent for the space, my time for teaching, and the admin and outreach work. Dana allows the teachings to be offered sustainably.
• The $15 is the registration fee which creates an incentive to show up on the day of and not cancel last minute. It also will aim to cover the rent of the centre so that I don’t end up in a deficit. I am asking for dana on top of the registration fee to cover all of the costs. If you do not have the funds to pay beyond the $15, that is absolutely okay. I trust that those who do have the funds will pay a bit more and that all will balance out. I will pass out an envelope for dana for folks who want to pay in cash, but e-transfer and the square app will also be available for folks who want to pay with cards
• Ky will have the same payment options for dana for lunch

Altar practice

• There will be a chance to create an altar together and practice connecting with ancestors and all our spiritual lineages through a simple, inclusive and optional ritual to open and close the day. Feel free to bring a photo, objects from nature, a piece of writing or another sacred object to put on the altar.

Bio: arti (pronounced arthy, they/them) is a trans and queer, neurodivergent, chronically ill, South Asian full-time artist. Arti has been practicing meditation since 2006, and completed True North Insight's (TNI) Community Meditation Teacher Mentorship Program. Their offerings often focus on relational Dhamma, social justice, and the gifts that marginalized people's experiences offer the Dhamma. Arti has trained in Somatic Experiencing and Relational Psychotherapy, and has a deep interest in embodied approaches to trauma work. Their Dhamma offerings are a mix of trauma-informed somatic practices, devotional practice, and traditional Theravadan teachings. Arti has been teaching Dhamma for the last four years including mentoring in Dhamma courses, offering 1:1 mindfulness support, and teaching at identity-specific sanghas. They are on a continuous inquiry of understanding the somatics of the Middle Way.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Mountain Rain Zen Community, 2016 Wall Street, Vancouver, Canada