2021 Annual Fall Mindfulness Online Retreat
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Theme: Faith in Interbeing - Maintaining the Treasury of Practice
Inspired by the Bodhisattva named Forest of Virtue from the Avatamsaka Sutra (Flower Ornament Scripture) of Mahayana Buddhism, we will ensure that peace and stability can grow in the world by strengthening our own commitment and capacity to Maintain the Treasury of Practice.
From the foundation methods of conscious breathing and mindfulness, through the relationship building techniques for deep listening and beginning anew, to the ethical affirmations of compassionate consuming, and the heart-centered wisdom of impermanence and interbeing, there is a vast wealth of Dharma in which we can find support, and through which we can support others. The key is that we actually train and practice in it.
REGISTRATION FEE
To ensure your place at the retreat, there is a $20 non-refundable fee per participant. If sharing a computer with another registered participant, please list that person’s name in the space provided on the registration form.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
Registration for the retreat will be accepted up until November 4th. However, if you would like to be part of a Dharma Sharing group, please register by November 1st.
PERSONAL PRACTICE CONSULTATIONS
On Saturday during the online retreat, there will be an opportunity for a limited number of personal practice consultations with Michael (a fifteen minute private Zoom meeting). These consultations are an opportunity to ask a question about how to apply the practice to a particular situation in your life. They are not a time for personal connection with Michael, but rather a moment to receive reflection and support through the Dharma. These consultations are offered freely by Michael, however, you may wish to make an additional dana contribution.
Please check the box on the registration form if you would like to have one of these consultations. The number of consultations is limited, so please register early if you would like one.
DANA
Dana is the practice of cultivating generosity. For this retreat we invite you to act with generosity to support our teacher. For those of you who may be wondering about an appropriate amount, please consider what you give to other aspects of life which enrich you. Many of us are struggling during this time of continued great upheaval, so please consider what amount is possible given your situation. As a guide, we suggest $80 - $150, or more, as your finances allow.
RETREAT MATERIALS
Prior to the start of the retreat you will receive a retreat packet which will include:
DHARMA SHARING
Dharma discussions are a time to express ourselves in a small group to clarify our thinking and support each other in our efforts to put the teachings into practice. Speaking mindfully and listening deeply are important practices. Groups will be formed prior to the start of the retreat, and each group will have a private Zoom link.
MINDFULNESS TRAININGS RECITATION
The Five Mindfulness Trainings have their root in the Five Precepts offered by the Buddha. They have been expanded and updated so that they represent a way to bring mindfulness into every area of life. Rather than hard and fast rules, they offer as a framework to reflect on our actions, speech and thinking so we can create more happiness for ourselves and for the world around us.
https://plumvillage.org/mindfulness-practice/the-5-mindfulness-trainings/
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
Friday Evening
Saturday
Sunday
CONNECTING WITH US THROUGH ZOOM
A few days prior to the start of the retreat you will receive the Zoom link which will allow you to join all general sessions from Friday evening through Sunday afternoon. If you requested to join a Dharma sharing group, you will receive a separate link for your group.
From the foundation methods of conscious breathing and mindfulness, through the relationship building techniques for deep listening and beginning anew, to the ethical affirmations of compassionate consuming, and the heart-centered wisdom of impermanence and interbeing, there is a vast wealth of Dharma in which we can find support, and through which we can support others. The key is that we actually train and practice in it.
REGISTRATION FEE
To ensure your place at the retreat, there is a $20 non-refundable fee per participant. If sharing a computer with another registered participant, please list that person’s name in the space provided on the registration form.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
Registration for the retreat will be accepted up until November 4th. However, if you would like to be part of a Dharma Sharing group, please register by November 1st.
PERSONAL PRACTICE CONSULTATIONS
On Saturday during the online retreat, there will be an opportunity for a limited number of personal practice consultations with Michael (a fifteen minute private Zoom meeting). These consultations are an opportunity to ask a question about how to apply the practice to a particular situation in your life. They are not a time for personal connection with Michael, but rather a moment to receive reflection and support through the Dharma. These consultations are offered freely by Michael, however, you may wish to make an additional dana contribution.
Please check the box on the registration form if you would like to have one of these consultations. The number of consultations is limited, so please register early if you would like one.
DANA
Dana is the practice of cultivating generosity. For this retreat we invite you to act with generosity to support our teacher. For those of you who may be wondering about an appropriate amount, please consider what you give to other aspects of life which enrich you. Many of us are struggling during this time of continued great upheaval, so please consider what amount is possible given your situation. As a guide, we suggest $80 - $150, or more, as your finances allow.
RETREAT MATERIALS
Prior to the start of the retreat you will receive a retreat packet which will include:
- Guide to online mindfulness retreat
- Flower Garland Discourse (Avatamsaka Sutra)
- Five Mindfulness Trainings
- Gathas (practice verses)
- Guidelines for Dharma sharing
- Offline practice suggestions
DHARMA SHARING
Dharma discussions are a time to express ourselves in a small group to clarify our thinking and support each other in our efforts to put the teachings into practice. Speaking mindfully and listening deeply are important practices. Groups will be formed prior to the start of the retreat, and each group will have a private Zoom link.
MINDFULNESS TRAININGS RECITATION
The Five Mindfulness Trainings have their root in the Five Precepts offered by the Buddha. They have been expanded and updated so that they represent a way to bring mindfulness into every area of life. Rather than hard and fast rules, they offer as a framework to reflect on our actions, speech and thinking so we can create more happiness for ourselves and for the world around us.
https://plumvillage.org/mindfulness-practice/the-5-mindfulness-trainings/
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
Friday Evening
- 7:00pm - 9:00pm: orientation, talk, meditation
Saturday
- 9:00 - 11:30: meditation, talk, dharma sharing
- 11:30 - 12:30: break for mindful lunch
- 12:30 - 2:30: meditation, talk, Q&A
- Late afternoon/Evening: personal practice offline and opportunity for consultations
Sunday
- 9:00 - 11:30: meditation, recitation, talk, dharma sharing
- 11:30-12:30: break for mindful lunch
- 12:30 - 2:30: meditation, talk, closing
CONNECTING WITH US THROUGH ZOOM
A few days prior to the start of the retreat you will receive the Zoom link which will allow you to join all general sessions from Friday evening through Sunday afternoon. If you requested to join a Dharma sharing group, you will receive a separate link for your group.
