Ian Prattis & Carolyn Hill
Simple Steps to Empowerment - CANCELLED
September 27-30
3 nights $180 ($90 deposit) Dana
In the global emergency facing us with global warming and dire predictions for a habitable econiche for life, a failsafe in consciousness is examined, which draws on the Buddha’s Diamond Sutra and teachings on consumption and the Mindfulness Trainings. It requires that we shift our consciousness, embrace voluntary simplicity, and take simple steps to empowerment – through breath, healing, and the joy of sangha practice, drawing further on the Buddha’s brilliant insights in his treatise on the full awareness of breathing. The challenge is to be in society, but as a still island of mindfulness. The retreat is a journey for all of us to take steps – joyfully together - towards this point.
The schedule will include dharma talks, sutra readings, exercises, ceremonies, walking meditation, and silent time with Mother Earth. There will be much silence during the retreat so that we may nurture deep compassion. Gentle instructions and meditative silence will help us to become more present. The retreat culminates with a transmission ceremony of the Five Mindfulness Trainings.
Ian Prattis (True Body of Wisdom) is a poet and scholar, peace and environmental activist. He is an ordained Dharmacharya in the Engaged Buddhist tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh, giving dharma talks and retreats around the world. He has trained with masters in Buddhist, Vedic, and Shamanic traditions. He encourages people to find their true nature so that humanity and the world may be renewed. As a Professor of Anthropology and Religion he teaches courses on Ecology, Symbols, Engaged Buddhism, and Meditation Systems. The meditation teacher is not separate from the professor or the global citizen.
Carolyn Hill (True Jewel of Virtue) is a Qi-Gong teacher, trained by Michael Babin in Ottawa, Grand Master Dr. Effie Chow from San Francisco, and Qi-Gong healer Dr. Yuquiu Guo. She conducts weekly Qi-Gong classes in Ottawa and Stress Reduction workshops for organizations. She offers daily sessions of this gentle healing and energy balancing system. She is an ordained member of Thich Nhat Hanh’s Order of Interbeing.
Here is the daily schedule of the Ian Prattis - Carolyn Hill 2005 Southern Dharma retreat. The 2007 schedule may be different.
6:00 Wake up Bell
6:30 Sitting & Walking Meditation, Sutra Reading
8:00 Breakfast
9:30 Dharma Talk
11:00 Qi-Gong & Walking Meditation
12:30 Lunch
1:30 Rest Period
2:00 Working Meditation Groups
3:30 Private Time
4:30 Deep Relaxation & Touching the Earth
6:00 Dinner
7:00 Rest Period
8:00 Dharma Discussions
9:30 Evening Meditation
10:00 Bedtime