Day of Mindfulness March 22: Calm comes first

[Catherine Ibsen]

A Day of Mindfulness for the Practice of

Shamatha “Calm Abiding”

 

The human mind is by nature joyous, calm and very clear. In shamatha meditation we aren't creating a peaceful state——we're letting our mind be as it is to begin with.

  Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche

 

Saturday – March 22, 2014

596 Captain Beam Blvd., Hampstead, NC 28443

Home of Catherine Ibsen

 

Cost:  $25.00 to register and hold your space plus dana. Enrollment limited to 12 participants

 

As we head into spring season and we notice the energy of growth and renewal, consider spending a day in silence, sitting, walking, and eating mindfully in the peaceful serene setting of the home of Catherine Ibsen. 

                                                                                                                                                                               

About the practice:  Many Buddhist traditions offer an opportunity to deepen mindfulness practice by providing day long silent retreat opportunities.  The Hampstead Dharma Student’s Group is an eclectic mix of traditions with the core understanding that the teachings of the Buddha are to be practiced as a skill set, not just taken on faith.  We offer this day to provide a local opportunity for any individuals in the area wishing to deepen their practice in a community setting.   Although it is strongly encouraged that you make a commitment to sit for the entire day, half-day options are available.   Enrollment is limited to 12.  First come, first serve. 

General Schedule:

            7:00 – 9:00 optional early sitting and mindful breakfast (Breakfast at about 8:00)

               9:00 – 9:30 Welcome and dharma talk on the practice of letting go - I

               9:30 – 11:00 Sitting and walking meditation

               11:00 – 12:00 Mindful Movement Practice

               12:00 – 1:00 Lunch and Clean-up

               1:00 – 1:30 Dharma talk on the practice of letting go - II

1:30 – 2:30 Sitting and walking meditation

               2:30 – 3:30 Mindful Movement Practice

               3:30 - 4:00 closing  meditation and remarks

 

What to Bring:

               Comfortable clothes for sitting, comfortable shoes and an umbrella for walking meditation if it looks like it might rain.

               Sitting cushion if you have one, meditation benches, zabutons and chairs will be available

               Mat and blanket for yoga and relaxation

               Slippers or stockings as shoes will be left at the door

               A mug or cup for water or tea if you prefer your own

 

When practicing Noble Silence we turn off cell phones, we avoid speaking unless necessary for a program issue.  We don’t take notes or read.  We simply practice being mindful in every moment.  We take refuge in the inner calm and peace of a quiet mind.  Students may speak with the teacher if necessary but even these contacts should be kept to a minimum. Students are encouraged to cultivate the feeling that they are working in isolation.

 

For more additional information or to request a registration form, contact me at ibs...@bellsouth.net or at the address above