Taught by the Nuns of Aloka Vihara Forest Monastery
Sunday, December 27, 2020 – Sunday, January 3, 2021
Jesuit Retreat Center, 1001 Boole Road, Applegate, CA
An Invitation to
Simplicity & Letting Go
During retreat we come together as 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 yoga will be offered by Lissa Edmond.
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.
We will offer a light breakfast and, in keeping with this monastic tradition, the daily meal (vegetarian) is eaten before noon. In the evening, hot tea is available and “monastic allowables” are served, e.g. dark chocolate, cheese, ginger, soy milk. At meal times we offer vegan and gluten free alternatives, we are unable to accommodate other dietary needs.
Some retreatants will participate in light yogi jobs each day. The smooth running of the retreat depends on everyone’s daily contribution to the retreat community. Retreat jobs should be done in silence as much as possible, maintaining your quiet and attentive state of mind. Retreatants should commit to stay for the entire retreat and to fully participate in the retreat schedule including the daily work period.
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 Jesuit 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 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 opens in August 2020