Receiving the Dhamma

an online meditation retreat via Zoom
October 10-11, 2020

In our practice, we learn to release conceiving to cultivate receiving. We aren’t receiving from anyone or anything. We are opening the heart to receive the gift of the Dhamma of the way things are. Receiving the Dhamma requires releasing our views and desires about how things used to be, should be, or will be, in the future. It means bringing forth the patience, good-will, courage, compassion, and wisdom to use all six senses to rest in awareness without clinging or pushing away.

We do this not by efforting, but by letting go and allowing the truth of the way things are to be known. Ajahn Sumedho explains meditation as just knowing each moment as “like this,” and Ajahn Viradhammo talks about our practice as knowing that we know. This open receptivity is a felt experience that releases self-view and connects us to good-will, compassion, gladness, and equanimity.

Our online practice together will provide an opportunity to investigate how we learn to let go of conceiving and release into the ease, peace, and stillness of receptive awareness.

The retreat will include Dhamma reflections, opportunities for questions, walking, sitting, and movement meditations (and other surprises).

Lodging is available at Holy Wisdom Monastery for those wanting a more secluded environment in which to practice during the retreat. To reserve a room, you will need to contact Holy Wisdom directly — call Brooke Miller at (608) 836-1631, ext. 100.

This retreat is freely offered. There is no fee to attend, but registration is required.   After registering, you will receive the Zoom meeting link to attend the retreat. The retreat will begin at 9:00 am on Saturday, October 10, and end at noon on Sunday, October 11.  Should you wish to do so, information on how to offer dana will be emailed after the retreat ends.

Register HERE

Depending on the number of registrants, the schedule may be modified, but will be approximately as follows:

Saturday, October 10

9:00 -9:15 am            Welcome, logistics
9:15 – 10:30 am        Taking the precepts & refuges, instructions, meditation
10:30-10:50 am         Gentle movement
10:50-11:10 am          Walking meditation
11:10-11:55 am           Sitting meditation

11:55 -3:00 pm           Meal preparation and rest (not on Zoom)

3:00-3:20 pm             Gentle movement
3:20-4:15 pm              Dhamma talk
4:15-4:45                     Sitting meditation

4:45-6:30 pm              Meal and rest (not on Zoom)

6:30-8:00 pm             Get in your pj’s and robe, be comfy, and join on zoom for a surprise

Sunday, October 11

9:00 -9:15 am            Gentle movement
9:15-10:00                  Guidance and sitting meditation
10-10:15 am                Walking meditation
10:15-11:00 am          Questions and response
11:00 -12:00 pm        Final thoughts and closing