Coming Home to the Body: A Daylong Meditation Retreat

December 7 from 10 am to 4:30 pm ET
Retreat Cost: $40 registration fee plus dana* for the teacher

This retreat will focus on cultivation the first foundation of mindfulness (Sati) – the body.

O friend, understand:
The body is like the ocean, rich with hidden treasures.

Open your innermost chamber and light its lamp.

Within the body are gardens,
Rare flowers, peacocks; the inner music;
Within the body a lake of bliss,
On it, the white soul-swans take their joy.

And in the body, a vast market –
go there, trade
sell yourself for a profit you can’t spend.

Mira says, her Lord is beyond praising.
Allow her to dwell near your feet.

– Mirabai, a northern Indian woman Bhakti poet

The retreat will be held in noble silence and will include alternating periods of sitting and walking meditation, mindful movement, instructions, and reflections, with a mid-day lunch break to practice mindful eating. The schedule will also include an optional discussion period to reflect on how to skillfully apply the wisdom of the practice in our daily life. While the retreat is open to practitioners of all levels, some prior meditation experience is recommended.

Bring your lunch, yoga mat if you have one and any appropriate props you will need for your sitting meditation practice. Rising Fawn Gardens has chairs, large bolsters and blankets. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes for walking outside.

*Dana or generosity, the practice of giving and receiving, is the heart and foundation of the Buddhist path. The Buddha taught generosity as a means of liberating our hearts, transforming clinging and encouraging non-attachment. Janka is dedicated to offering the teachings, and her guidance freely. What this means is that she receives no compensation for teaching retreats and relies instead on the generosity of retreat participants. There will be an opportunity to offer Dana to Janka at the end of the retreat.

Read more about dana practice.

There is one work-study scholarship available for those in need. Please contact us to inquire or if you have any questions about the retreat.