New Years Monastic Retreat
An Invitation to Simplicity and Letting Go
Taught by Ayya Anandabodhi & Ayya Santacitta
December 28, 2023 – January 6, 2024
Applegate Retreat Center, 1001 Boole Road, Applegate, CA
During retreat we come together as a community to support each other in our practice, consciously letting go of the past and opening to the New Year with whatever it may bring. We create a monastic environment during our time together, and we offer you this opportunity to explore the Dhamma in a setting that differs somewhat from a typical meditation retreat.
In the spirit of the monastic lifestyle, we will be following the Eight Precepts, taking only what is offered, participating in the daily routine mindfully and with awareness, and attempting to reflect on our every activity as part of our practice. This will include Noble Silence, morning and evening chanting, sitting and walking meditation, and daily Dhamma teachings. There will be opportunities for group interviews along with Q&A during the retreat. An optional daily period of movement will be offered by Corina Stoicescu.
The Eight Precepts:
To refrain from…
1) taking the life of any living creature
2) taking that which is not given
3) any intentional sexual activity
4) false and harmful speech
5) consuming intoxicating drink and drugs which lead to carelessness
6) eating at inappropriate times
7) entertainment, beautification and adornment
8) lying on a high or luxurious sleeping place (not indulging in sleep)
Accommodations are double rooms with shared bathroom facilities. The retreat center is wheelchair accessible, we are unable to accommodate any other environmental needs.
Covid Protocol
Covid continues to be a factor in the world and as a community we will mindfully follow a safety protocol before and during the retreat. Although current covid information may not be applicable at the time of the retreat, we ask everyone to take extra precaution in the two weeks before opening day. Everyone will be required to take a covid antigen test within 24 hrs before arriving at Applegate Center. More information will be provided as we get closer.
We will offer a light breakfast and, in keeping with this monastic tradition, the daily meal is eaten before noon. In the evening, hot tea is available and “monastic allowables” are served, e.g. dark chocolate, cheese, ginger, soy milk. All meals will be vegetarian and gluten free alternatives will be available. We are unable to accommodate other dietary needs.
Retreatants should commit to stay for the entire retreat and to fully participate in the retreat schedule including the daily work period. We will not accept any requests for late arrivals or early departures.
Please make travel arrangements accordingly so that you arrive in time for registration (3:00-‐5:30) on opening day and are able to stay through the closing ceremony and activities on the final day (approx. noon).
The Applegate Retreat Center is located about 2-2.5 hours driving from the San Francisco/East bay, Oakland and San Francisco Airports, and about an hour from the Sacramento Airport. There are Amtrak trains from the Bay Area and from Sacramento to Auburn.
If you have any questions or concerns during the retreat, the retreat manager, Kathy Cheney, will assist you. Note writing should be minimized, and notes to the teachers need to go through the retreat manager.
Continuing in the ancient Buddhist tradition, the retreat and teachings are offered freely. In turn, retreatants are afforded an opportunity to support those transmitting the Dhamma by offering donations (dana) to the teachers and the retreat manager. Operating and food expenses are paid from dana previously received by the Saranaloka Foundation. At the end of the retreat, you can donate so that retreats can continue to be offered to future retreatants on a dana basis.
Registration
The retreat is full and we have opened the waiting list. People do cancel even up to just before the retreat begins. Please fill out and submit the registration form (link to form below) and the retreat manager will contact you if a space becomes available.
If a space becomes available you must complete a registration form and submit a deposit in the amount of $200. Deposits may be made through PayPal or by check.
If you attend the retreat or cancel before November 29, 2023, this check will be returned to you upon request or can be offered as a freewill donation to Saranaloka. It will not be returned if you register and do not attend the retreat or if you do not cancel by the November 29 cancellation deadline. Registrants who do attend the retreat may request a refund of the deposit after the retreat is over.
Please fill out and submit the online registration form HERE.
The receipt of the registration form and the $200 retreat deposit will confirm your place in the retreat and you will be contacted by Kathy. Please be sure to put this email address in your contacts <kathycheney48@gmail.com>.
With very best wishes for peace and ease,
Kathy
Kathy Cheney
2023 NY Retreat Registrar/Manager
<kathycheney48@gmail.com>