Jessica Morey

The Buddhist path cultivates four powerful and transformative qualities: kindness, compassion, joy, and balance. These qualities are innate human capacities, and can be developed into steadfast dwelling places for the heart. Known as the brahmavihāras, or “sublime homes,” these states can serve as powerful supports both for deepening concentration and insight on the contemplative path and for responding to suffering in these troubled times. In this silent meditation retreat, we will explore techniques to develop each of the four sublime states, and to release the obstacles that hinder us from living a full life and responding meaningfully to the needs of our world. Our time together will include silent and guided sitting meditation, walking meditation, Dharma talks, instructions, Q&A and small group meetings with the teachers. This retreat is appropriate for both beginning and more experienced meditators.

This retreat is silent except for teacher-led Q&A, small groups, or other practice meetings.

The Buddhist path cultivates four powerful and transformative qualities: kindness, compassion, joy, and balance. These qualities are innate human capacities, and can be developed into steadfast dwelling places for the heart. Known as the brahmavihāras, or “sublime homes,” these states can serve as powerful supports both for deepening concentration and insight on the contemplative path and for responding to suffering in these troubled times. In this silent meditation retreat, we will explore techniques to develop each of the four sublime states, and to release the obstacles that hinder us from living a full life and responding meaningfully to the needs of our world. Our time together will include silent and guided sitting meditation, walking meditation, Dharma talks, instructions, Q&A and small group meetings with the teachers. This retreat is appropriate for both beginning and more experienced meditators.

This retreat is silent except for teacher-led Q&A, small groups, or other practice meetings.

Online Retreat Details:
The online retreat will be offered via Zoom and will include: meditation instructions, Dharma talks, and opportunities to ask questions during Q&A with on-land teachers, broadcasted live from Spirit Rock’s Upper Meditation Hall. There will also be practice meetings on Zoom with a dedicated online Spirit Rock teacher, as well as online affinity groups. Please note: the on-land teachers will not offer practice meetings to online practitioners. This retreat has a limited number of spaces for online participants.

Through the practices of mindfulness and equanimity, the heart discovers a capacity for steadiness and love, which allows us to stay open to the challenges of our times without being broken by them. During this silent retreat, we will call on mindfulness to support the cultivation of equanimity, a relational and meditative ballast, through guided meditations, dharma talks, one-on-one practice meetings with teachers, and periods of sitting and walking meditation. This retreat is open to all levels of experience and anyone interested in the Buddha’s teachings of liberation, wisdom, and compassion.

In this retreat dedicated to supporting the health and well-being of young adults in these difficult times, we will co-create a refuge from all forms of oppression, a nourishing refuge of rest and rejuvenation. With the Buddhist teachings of wisdom and compassion as our guide, we will cultivate a wholehearted attention to the present moment, waking up from worldly delusion and developing embodied ease, clarity, and kindness.

The retreat format includes daily meditation instruction, group and individual meetings with teachers, and opportunities for questions and discussion. An optional daily period of mindful movement will be offered by Lissa Edmond.

The course will end with a day of optional activities centered on building relationships, supporting community, and integrating the practice into our everyday lives.

All are welcome to attend – this silent retreat is open to both beginning and experienced meditators.

In this retreat dedicated to supporting the health and well-being of young adults in these difficult times, we will co-create a refuge from all forms of oppression, a nourishing refuge of rest and rejuvenation. With the Buddhist teachings of wisdom and compassion as our guide, we will cultivate a wholehearted attention to the present moment, waking up from worldly delusion and developing embodied ease, clarity, and kindness.

The retreat format includes daily meditation instruction, group and individual meetings with teachers, and opportunities for questions and discussion. An optional daily period of mindful movement will be offered by Lissa Edmond.

The course will end with a day of optional activities centered on building relationships, supporting community, and integrating the practice into our everyday lives.

All are welcome to attend – this silent retreat is open to both beginning and experienced meditators.

This program is co-sponsored by Dharma Gates and intended for participants ages 18-35.

Through cultivating beautiful qualities of the heart and mind, we can discover a place of safety, rest, and resiliency, right in the middle of everything. Love, compassion, joy, and equanimity are the skillful responses of a wise heart. Known as the brahmavihāras (divine abidings), they are qualities that keep us resourced and inspired to engage with our complex, aching world. During this program, we’ll explore and deepen into these four heart practices offered by the Buddha. Our sitting and walking schedule will move through each of them in sequence, beginning with the practice of mettā (loving-kindness), and moving through karuṇā (compassion), muditā (appreciative joy), and upekkhā (equanimity). Practice sessions will include relational inquiry, guided meditation, and silent practice.

Program Format: There will be dharma talks, guided meditation, silent meditation, and relational practices as well as walking and mindful movement.