One of the central teachings of the Buddha is that all things are impermanent. Awareness of this truth can help one reduce one’s craving for the pleasant and aversion toward the unpleasant. Why this is so is not so difficult to rationally understand. After all, what is the point of getting overly excited about something that is not going to last. But the awakening experienced by the Buddha actually uncovered a much more radical truth of impermanence: That is that all things fully and unalterably inhabit each moment of time and they are also completely new in each consecutive moment. The body and mind that people call “Michael” and the world surrounding him in this moment are not the same body, mind and world of the next moment. Realized teachers sometimes express this with the phrase, “no coming – no going,” referencing a proclamation made by the Buddha about himself following his awakening.
During this one-day retreat, we will briefly discuss this truth with a particular focus on its implications for how one can most skillfully relate to one’s life. At the deepest level, stress and angst happen whenever the “Michael” of this moment yearns to inhabit another moment, and this simply is not possible. Though one may not yet have experienced this truth for themselves, if one aligns oneself with it, mental suffering is dramatically diminished, and one’s practice becomes much lighter. During the course of this full-day of practice, we will be attempting to do just that.
This 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 available, a Dhamma talk, and a discussion period at the end. People will also be free to transition between sitting and walking meditation throughout the day.
Coffee, tea, and light snacks will be provided. Please bring your own lunch (full use of WIMC kitchen will be available).
One of the central teachings of the Buddha is that all things are impermanent. Awareness of this truth can help one reduce one’s craving for the pleasant and aversion toward the unpleasant. Why this is so is not so difficult to rationally understand. After all, what is the point of getting overly excited about something that is not going to last. But the awakening experienced by the Buddha actually uncovered a much more radical truth of impermanence: That is that all things fully and unalterably inhabit each moment of time and they are also completely new in each consecutive moment. The body and mind that people call “Michael” and the world surrounding him in this moment are not the same body, mind and world of the next moment. Realized teachers sometimes express this with the phrase, “no coming – no going,” referencing a proclamation made by the Buddha about himself following his awakening.
During this one-day retreat, we will briefly discuss this truth with a particular focus on its implications for how one can most skillfully relate to one’s life. At the deepest level, stress and angst happen whenever the “Michael” of this moment yearns to inhabit another moment, and this simply is not possible. Though one may not yet have experienced this truth for themselves, if one aligns oneself with it, mental suffering is dramatically diminished, and one’s practice becomes much lighter. During the course of this full-day of practice, we will be attempting to do just that.
This 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 available, a Dhamma talk, and a discussion period at the end. People will also be free to transition between sitting and walking meditation throughout the day.
Coffee, tea, and light snacks will be provided. Please bring your own lunch (full use of WIMC kitchen will be available).