During this retreat, we will explore in theory and practice three methods for developing meditative quiescence, or shamatha: mindfulness of the breath as taught in the Theravada tradition, an effective approach to soothing the body and calming the discursive mind; “settling the mind in its natural state,” an approach pertinent to Dzogchen practice; and “shamatha without signs,” as taught by Padmasambhava. The achievement of shamatha is widely regarded in Buddhism as an indispensable foundation for the cultivation of contemplative insight (vipassana). We will also engage in the practice of the Four Immeasurables: lovingkindness, compassion, empathetic joy and equanimity.
B. Alan Wallace is the founder and president of the Santa Barbara Institute for Consciousness Studies. Combining 16 years of training as a Tibetan Buddhist monk with degrees in physics, the philosophy of science and religious studies, he is currently seeking ways to integrate Buddhist contemplative practices and Western science to advance the study of the mind. He is the author of numerous books, including Embracing Mind: The Common Ground of Science & Spirituality.
Please arrive between 2 and 5pm on Sunday, October 5th. Program ends with breakfast on Saturday, October 11th. More information.
To register, click on a price below. Price includes lodging, meals and tuition. In keeping with Buddhist tradition and the practice of dana (generosity) it is also appropriate to offer a teaching gift in the form of a voluntary financial donation at the end of this program.
We offer a 10% discount to full-time students and senior citizens.
A limited number of partial scholarships are also available for many of our programs. For information, click here or call us at (888) STUPA–21.
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