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True Nourishment and Healing
True Nourishment and Healing
A Letter from Michael Ciborski, Dharma Teacher
A Letter from Michael Ciborski, Dharma Teacher
As we gather together to find rest and healing in our breath and steps, in our still-sitting and deep-listening, we will lean into the teachings of the Middle Way:
“This is because that is. This is not because that is not.”
Although it sounds simple on the surface, the Middle Way teachings invite us into the profound meaning of each moment of our lives, opening the door of Interbeing, offering liberation from the shackles of wrong perception, and empowering the ordinary and mundane with the sacred.
With this prompt of clarity and kindness, we will explore the realm of action (karma)—both the experience of giving and receiving—in three areas: in our own hearts, in relationship with others, and in the embodied shape of our lives.
About the Teacher
About the Teacher
Michael Ciborski (Dharma name Chan Trung Dao, "True Middle Way") is a lineage holding Dharma teacher in the tradition of the Venerable Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh. He lived as a monk for seven years in Plum Village, France, and has worked intimately with Thich Nhat Hanh and the monastic community to organize, support and offer meditation retreats around the world. A skilled musician, he studied voice training and chanting of several European and Asian traditions and served for several years as an English language chant master in the monastery. He currently lives in New Hampshire with his wife and children, where they have built a residential mindfulness practice community and education center for sustainable living.
Michael gives virtual Dharma talks to MPCH throughout the year leading up to the Fall Retreat.
American Bodhi Center
American Bodhi Center
📍 29123 Mellman Rd, Hempstead, TX 77445
Nestled on 500 acres just north of Hempstead, Texas, the American Bodhi Center offers a beautiful rural sanctuary for reflection, practice, and community. The campus features expansive natural grounds, comfortable dormitories, a library, a dining hall, and a grand meditation hall.
Please note: The American Bodhi Center is a smoke-free campus.
Retreat Format
Retreat Format
Thursday, October 30th - Sunday, November 2nd
Join us for a nourishing 4-day retreat designed for both beginners and experienced practitioners. Set in a supportive and peaceful environment, the retreat offers a balance of guided practice, spiritual reflection, and community connection.
Designated periods of noble silence help create a calm, contemplative atmosphere—supporting deep personal reflection and the cultivation of insight throughout the retreat.
Retreat activities include:
Sitting meditation
Walking meditation
Dharma talks by Michael Ciborski
Small group Dharma sharing
Silent, mindful meals
Musical fellowship and singing
Mindful art and creative expression
Pre-Retreat Gathering for OI Members & Aspirants
Pre-Retreat Gathering for OI Members & Aspirants
Starting Wednesday, October 29th
Please note: This pre-retreat gathering is reserved for ordained members and formal aspirants to the Order of Interbeing.
OI members and aspirants are warmly invited to arrive a day early—on Wednesday, October 29th—for a dedicated OIA Day of Practice. This special opportunity offers extra space to deepen our connection and nourish our vows in a more intimate setting before the full retreat begins.
Cost: $110 (includes one additional night of lodging and meals)
If you’d like to participate, simply indicate your interest on the retreat registration form. Additional details and logistical information will be shared soon.
Arrival & Departure
Arrival & Departure
Check-in for the General Retreat will take place on Thursday, October 30th, between 4:00 and 6:00 PM.
Please note: The retreat center's gates typically close at 7:00 PM. If you expect to arrive later, please inform us in advance so we can make arrangements.
The retreat will conclude after lunch on Sunday, November 2nd.
Meals
Meals
Nourishing vegetarian meals are included with your retreat registration, beginning with Thursday dinner and concluding with Sunday lunch.
We regret that we’re unable to accommodate special dietary requests beyond vegetarian options, and we appreciate your understanding.
Accommodations
Accommodations
The retreat offers a range of comfortable lodging options in separate dormitories for men and women**:
Dorm Rooms – Bunk beds for 4–8 people; shared bathroom down the hall
Private Cubicles – Partitioned sleeping areas within dorm rooms; shared bathroom down the hall
Double Rooms – Shared by 2 people; private bathroom
Single Rooms – For Women Only – In the Lecture Hall building; private bathroom
Room requests are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. If you wish to room with a specific person or persons, please include their name(s) on your registration form. Please note that mattress covers are provided. Please bring your own sheets, pillow, blanket, and towels for your stay. A suggested packing list will be sent ahead of the retreat.
**We warmly welcome individuals of all gender identities and are committed to creating an inclusive, safe retreat environment for everyone. At this time, due to current facility limitations, we are unfortunately unable to offer gender neutral housing. We kindly ask that you select the room type that best aligns with your preference.
If you’d like to discuss your accommodation needs privately, you’ll have the option to indicate so on the registration form. We recognize this is an ongoing conversation and are committed to continuing efforts toward greater inclusivity in the future. You can reach us at retreat@mpchouston.org or write directly to Nancy at overseasachorns@mac.com
Registration Fees
Registration Fees
Bed in a Dorm Room
Shared bath down the hall
$380
Bed in a Private Cubicle
Shared bath down the hall
$380
Women's Private Cubles are currently full.
Please choose an alternative accommodation option when registering. If you would like to be added to the waitlist for this room, email your request to retreat@mpchouston.org
Bed in a Double Room
Private bath
$440
Women's Double Rooms are currently full.
Please choose an alternative accommodation option when registering. If you would like to be added to the waitlist for this room, email your request to retreat@mpchouston.org
Single Room (option available for women only)
Private bath
$500
Women's Single Rooms are currently full.
Please choose an alternative accommodation option when registering. If you would like to be added to the waitlist for this room, email your request to retreat@mpchouston.org
For your convenience, online payment is available through PayPal.
Please note: A processing fee of 2.99% + $0.49 applies to all online transactions. You will be able to view the total amount due, including this fee, before you submit the payment. If you prefer to use an alternative payment method, please contact us at retreat@mpchouston.org to inquire.
How To Register
How To Register
To register, please follow the instructions on the registration page. The deadline to register and submit final payment is Wednesday, October 8, 2025.
Please note: Space is limited and registration may close early if the retreat fills up—early registration is highly recommended!
Where Your Retreat Fees Go
Where Your Retreat Fees Go
We’re committed to transparency and thoughtful stewardship of all retreat contributions. Here’s how your retreat fees are allocated (based on the 2024 retreat income and expense report):
90% supports the American Bodhi Center, covering accommodations, meals, and use of the retreat facilities.
3% covers travel expenses for our teacher, Michael Ciborski.
2% goes toward retreat logistics, including supplies and administrative costs.
1% is offered as a gratuity to the kitchen staff, in appreciation of their nourishing meals.
4% is set aside as “seed money” to help launch next year’s retreat.
Scholarships
Scholarships
In light of the current economic challenges, we are doing our best to keep retreat fees steady so that this experience remains accessible to all. To help make the retreat more accessible, a limited number of scholarships are available.
If you’re a student, have a limited income, or need additional financial support, we invite you to apply for a scholarship. We especially welcome scholarship applications from members of LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and Wake Up communities. Our heartfelt hope is that cost will not be a barrier for anyone who wishes to attend.
The first application deadline is September 1, 2025. If funds remain after the first round of awards, we will continue to accept applications on a rolling basis until all scholarships have been distributed.
To apply, please first complete the online registration form, then submit your scholarship application. No payment is required at the time of registration submission for those requesting financial assistance.
MPCH Retreat Scholarship Fund
MPCH Retreat Scholarship Fund
Each year, we offer financial assistance to ensure that cost is not a barrier to participation. Thanks to the generosity of our community, our July fundraiser raised over $2,500 for scholarships—plus an additional $1,500 through a matching gift from a sangha friend!
We are continuing to fundraise so that more friends in need can attend. Your support helps create a more inclusive, accessible, and healing retreat space for all. If you feel moved to contribute, please use the donation link below. Every gift, no matter the size, is deeply appreciated and makes a meaningful difference.
Important Dates & Deadlines
Important Dates & Deadlines
July 27
Retreat Scholarship Fundraiser matching donation deadline
August 4
Registration opens (minimum 50% deposit due, unless applying for a scholarship)
Scholarship application opens
September 1
Scholarship application deadline
October 8
Registration closes
Final payment due
Cancellation/refund deadline (minus $100 deposit)
Practicing Dana (Generosity)
Practicing Dana (Generosity)
Dharma teachers nurture the spiritual well-being of the sangha by offering their time, energy, and insight in service of our collective awakening—often on a voluntary basis, with deep dedication. As sangha members, we have a meaningful opportunity to give back through dana (generosity)—an essential Buddhist practice—supporting the livelihood of our teachers. In doing so, we help sustain the flow of wisdom and compassion that benefits our entire community.
You'll have the opportunity to offer a donation to Michael during registration or at the retreat. For a four-day retreat, contributions typically range from $80–$150, but please give only what feels right for your financial situation. Every offering is gratefully received.
Contact Us
Contact Us
For retreat-related questions, please email the MPCH Retreat Committee at retreat@mpchouston.org
Retreat Photo Gallery
Retreat Photo Gallery
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