Peace and Healing through Embodied Presence: A Weekend Non-Residential Retreat with Kittisaro & Thanissara

Saturday, June 1st and Sunday, 2nd from 10 am to 4:30 pm ET
Cost: $80 registration fee plus dana* for the teacher
The registration fee includes both days.

Mindfulness is the art of non-judgmental attention applied to the internal and external experience of the present moment as it is felt within body, mind, and heart. While mindfulness reduces stress and increases well-being in daily life, it is also central to the realization of inner freedom and deep peace. We will explore and practice the foundations of mindfulness as they are highlighted in the Buddha’s classical teachings on Mindfulness of Breathing. The technology of embodied presence is a potent tool for healing and establishing a reliable foundation for clear seeing. We will also explore the soothing, centering, and protective power of chanting and how all of these contemplative practices support us through the challenges that life brings us.

Kittisaro graduated from Princeton as a Rhodes Scholar and went on to Oxford before going to Thailand to ordain with Ajahn Chah in 1976. He was a monk for 15 years, during that time he helped found Chithurst Monastery and Devon Vihara in the UK, trained monks, was a prison Chaplain, and taught extensively. He disrobed in 1991 and since then has taught internationally. He co-founded Dharmagiri Sacred Mountain Retreat in 2000 and helped initiate and support a number of HIV/Aids response projects in South Africa. He has studied and practiced Chan and Pure Land for 35 years, informed by the Chinese school of Master Hua, and has completed two year-long silent self-retreats. With Thanissara, he is co-author of Listening to the Heart, A Contemplative Journey to Engaged Buddhism. Kittisaro is a member of the Spirit Rock Teacher Council.

Thanissara started Buddhist practice in the Burmese school in 1975. She was inspired to ordain after meeting Ajahn Chah and spent 12 years as a Buddhist nun, where she was a founding member of Chithurst Monastery and Amaravati Buddhist Monastery in the UK. She has facilitated meditation retreats internationally for the last 30 years and has an MA in Mindfulness-Based Psychotherapy Practice from Middlesex University & the Karuna Institute in the UK. With Kittisaro, she co-founded Dharmagiri Sacred Mountain Retreat and helped initiate and support a number of HIV/Aids response projects in South Africa. She has written several books, including two poetry books. Her latest book is Time To Stand Up, An Engaged Buddhist Manifesto for Our Earth. Thanissara is a member of the Spirit Rock Teacher Council.

Bring your lunch 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.

Please download this Chanting Booklet and bring it with you to the retreat.

*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. Thanissara & Kittisaro are dedicated to offering the teachings, and their guidance freely. What this means is that they receive no compensation for teaching retreats and rely instead on the generosity of retreat participants. There will be an opportunity to offer dana 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.

Cancellation Policy: CIMC has a no refund policy. If extenuating circumstances prevent you from being present, please contact us in advance of the retreat and we will transfer your $80 credit toward any of our future retreats.