A hybrid meditation retreat—in-person at Holy Wisdom Monastery and also online via Zoom
With David Haskin, Jan Cittasubha Sheppard, and Steven Spiro
“Nurturing Harmony”
January 12-14, 2024 Madison, WI
Harmony does not only apply to music. Harmony is being in sync and open to ourselves and the world in a kind, accepting, and responsive way. It is the natural way we lean left when turning right on a bicycle or how we sway simultaneously with our dancing partner. It can feel like walking through the woods with a quiet, connected, and grateful mind or communicating with someone you care for deeply and connecting with them — and yourself — profoundly. In this retreat, we'll share how our practice provides us with tools to develop this sort of heart-based harmonious relationship with internal and external storms or sunny days.
Friday, January 12, 10am - 8pm
Saturday, January 13, 8am - 8pm
Sunday, January 14, 8am - 3pm
This retreat offers in-person (residential and non-residential) options as well as a virtual option. Residential availability at Holy Wisdom Monastery is limited; additional lodging is available at nearby hotels (details on next page).
Non-residential Cost: $195
Online via Zoom: $95
Janice Cittasubha Sheppard is a Lay Buddhist Minister in the Theravada Thai Forest lineage of Ajahn Chah and Ajahn Sumedho and a Community Dharma Leader through Spirit Rock Meditation Center. She teaches retreats in the Midwest, leads a weekly meditation group, and offers Buddhist pastoral services and mindfulness training in Wisconsin prisons.
David Haskin has been a student of Vietnamese Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh since 1993 and is an ordained member of his core practice community, The Order of Interbeing. David teaches mindfulness and meditation in Wisconsin prisons and to people in recovery, combat veterans, and men’s groups.
Steven Spiro is a Zen Chaplain ordained by Roshi Joan Halifax of the Prajna Mountain Order. He is the creator of Breathing Earth Qigong, which is offered as classes and retreats. He teaches the Dharma, meditation, and mindfulness in prisons and heads the Wisconsin Prison Dharma Teachers’ Sangha. He’s an artist, spouse, grandfather, gardener, and dog lover.
Course details and registration
Non-Residential: $195: Retreatant will not lodge overnight at Holy Wisdom Monastery but commute to the retreat while still doing one’s best to maintain Noble Silence/the retreat atmosphere for the duration of the retreat.
HOTEL INFO: a block of rooms has been made at the Country Inn & Suites, a 10-minute drive to the monastery - here is the special link assigned to our Holy Wisdom Retreat block where you can reserve your hotel room (cost separate from retreat fee): https://www.choicehotels.com/reservations/groups/G9666154
Residential: Sold out at the monastery within 48 hours of registration opening
The above costs include 3 vegetarian lunches & 2 dinners (& continental breakfast & lodging for residential retreatants), coffee/tea, retreat facility fees, and other retreat expenses.
Online via Zoom: $95: A link will be provided before the retreat.
DANA: Following ancient tradition, the cost includes no instructor compensation. However, a contribution (dana) to the teachers is encouraged (more info provided at the time of retreat).
Financial Assistance: A limited number of partial scholarships may be available, depending on donations. Contact Maureen at maureenieb8@gmail.com for more information.
Deadlines & cancellations: Please register early for the retreat, as it always fills. All cancellations are subject to a nonrefundable $50 fee; cancellations on or before Dec. 15 will be refunded the retreat fee, less $50. No refunds can be given if cancellations are received after Dec. 15.
Registration: Please register here by Dec. 15. Confirmation will be provided by e-mail, along with additional retreat information. Participation is on a first-received basis. If the registration becomes full, you will be placed on a waiting list to be contacted if space becomes available. By registering, you agree to have our email shared with HWM. Send questions to maureenieb8@gmail.com
Please Pay The Registration Fee Here via Venmo. You may also make a bank-to-bank Zelle payment to Maureen Brady (her account is at UW Credit Union). If you can, please consider making an additional donation for scholarship support for others who don’t have the means to pay. If you prefer not to pay electronically, please contact Maureen at maureenieb8@gmail.com, and she’ll provide her mailing address to send a check.
Covid-19 Precautions (for in-person retreatants):
You must be vaccinated and fully boosted, not recently exposed to the virus, have no COVID-19 symptoms (please test just before attending the retreat), and be willing to wear a mask if required. We realize the COVID-19 landscape is ever-changing, and we will follow the Public Health Madison/Dane County protocol.
Please note that this retreat is not affiliated with Madison Insight Meditation.