Harmony in our home, Joy in the world is the theme of this year’s monastic retreat. SnowFlower joyously welcomes two Sisters and two Brothers into our community to transmit the Dharma, both spoken and lived. Thay says that if you can observe “living Dharma talks” (the “talks” in the way experienced monastic teachers walk, stand, sit, etc.) you can receive directly from the Buddha and develop understanding without words. And understanding is the essence of love and compassion.

Our deep aspiration for this retreat is to develop understanding to be able to dissolve the lines between our home and the world – to become one with what we observe. It is our intention to have this retreat be freely welcoming of all, and to create a safe and nurturing space. In this space, we will have the opportunity to pause, be held in community, and look deeply at how we can live in harmony in our communities while developing more understanding. With this understanding, we aim to manifest more compassion, love and joy in ourselves, our families and the whole world.

In an effort to weave our Sangha into the greater community, we will be hosting the two-day retreat at the Goodman Community Center where we can physically be in our larger, more diverse, and urban community. To be as inclusive as possible, we are offering a full-day children’s program so care-givers can attend at least one day, and keeping the price down (see below).

The retreat format will be similar to last year, featuring instruction and practice in sitting, walking, and eating meditation; dharma talks by monastic teachers; deep relaxation; and question and response time. Dharma discussion opportunities will be added this year, as well as opportunities for OI and OI aspirants to meet with the monastics.

We truly want you to know that you, as you are, are welcome and we hope that you will join us.

Click Here to Register.

Dates (Please note that all events are at the Goodman Community Center -including Friday Sangha)

• Friday June 28 from 7-9pm (free, “unofficial” start during regular meeting time of the SnowFlower Sangha. Led by monastics. Open to all.)
• Saturday June 29 from 9am-6pm
• Sunday June 30 from 9am-3:30pm

Cost* (includes vegetarian lunch on Sat and Sunday):

$45 per adult
$10 per child
$15 for the adult reduced rate

*Please note that these fees only cover actual expenses. While the monastics never charge and freely transmit the dharma, it is a longstanding tradition in the four-fold sangha that laypeople support the monastic community. Blue Cliff Monastery last year announced a goal to raise $1 million dollars for needed, basic facility upgrades. With awareness of their financial needs, we’ve set a goal of a $5,000 gift to Blue Cliff from the retreat. That goal will translate to an average of $50-$80 per person based on the number of registrants. Dana will be collected at the retreat, and we will communicate more about dana as we get closer to the retreat.