The world in which we find ourselves is often quite different from how we think it ought to be, and it can be hard to not be overcome with anxiety, fear or anger in the face of that discrepancy. How do we meet and engage with a world that is in need of intervention without losing our center and becoming overwhelmed with negative emotion? How can we avoid the two extremes of, either lashing out, or losing heart and retreating into passivity?
In this New Year retreat, we will explore how our practice, and the teachings of the Buddha, can help us meet the world with the equanimity and calm determination that is needed. In particular, we will investigate the meaning of karma, and how a proper understanding of this teaching, when combined with mindfulness, positions us to face both our internal world, and the world around us, with more skill and less emotional suffering.
This short retreat is open to both beginners and experienced meditators. While it will be conducted mainly in silence, there will be brief instructions in vipassana meditation, a Dhamma talk, and a discussion period at the end.
WIMC offers day retreats at least once per month. We recommend and encourage participation in these monthly programs—the extended practice period, two-hours longer than our weekly classes, supports the mind in becoming stable and thus insight can arise more naturally.