Transforming Consciousness into Deeper Insight
Retreat with Kim Sawyer
“There is no being having consciousness; there is consciousness which is the sum total of experience or involvement, and that’s the universe at work.” – Venerable Namgyal Rinpoche, Abhidhamma Retreat, 2000
In order to prepare ourselves to watch consciousness, we will begin this retreat with practices and exercises that help to settle the mind into a calm and relaxed state.
Once that is established, we will begin to sharpen the awareness of states of mind, watching our responses to objects of the senses and examining how our habits of response have been shaped.
We will deepen the meditation with questions about our sense of a permanent self; whether there is a single “I’ that is responding to all situations; how all things appear to exist by themselves, and how emptiness is not nothingness.
We will break down our experiences and try to find an original ground from which all things emerge.
Daily, there will be:
casses, where the practice will be explained, and questions will be discussed.
group practice sessions, although practising alone is certainly encouraged, especially when taken outdoors.
stretching and yogic exercises to support your practice.
a loving kindness meditation each evening
Kim Sawyer has been studying Buddha Dharma and practising meditation and yoga for over 47 years. Her primary teacher was Venerable Namgyal Rinpoche, but she also received teaching from Karma Thinley Rinpoche, H.H. Karmapa XVI, H.E. Ayang Rinpoche and many other visiting teachers. Kim organized and attended the “Kinmount Seminary and Academy”, a three year study and retreat program at the Dharma Centre.
Important Details
When: August 23 - September 2, 2024 Please plan to arrive between 3-5pm on the first day. The retreat will begin with a property orientation at 5:30pm followed by a light supper and the first evening class and will finish after lunch on the final day.
Rates: non-members: $1,380 members: $1,250
(To find out how to become a member please visit our membership page)
Rates include: Single accommodation and all meals. They do not include instructor fees. Teachers are sharing their experience within the traditional Buddhist understanding of Dana. To understand more about Dana, please read the following:
What is Dana? Teachers give the teachings of awakening (Dharma) freely so that anyone, no matter their financial means can attend classes. Each time one receives teachings, it is an opportunity to consciously practice generosity. Giving money and other means of support expresses gratitude and support to the teacher and helps to ensure that these teachings continue. Each person receiving Dharma teachings determines the kind and amount of Dāna according to one’s heart and one’s financial means. When deciding how much to offer, one should think about what these teachings mean to you and try to give accordingly. It is recommended that students make an offering of dāna at the beginning of a class or retreat to establish the intention to make the most of this opportunity for one’s own progression and for the benefit of all others.
Deposit: A 50% deposit is required to hold your space upon registration.
CANCELLATION POLICY:
All cancellation are subject to a fee of $100. These funds will support other low income practitioner (Practitioner Support Fund).
Loss of 50% of deposit if cancel within 14 days ( = 25% of the retreat cost) – Funds to go into the Renewal Project (Buildings Renewal Fund)