Nurturing the Seeds of Peace Winter Dathün Meditation Retreat: Week 2 with Acharya Dale Asrael and Shambhala President Richard Reoch

Cultivate the inherent qualities of the mind: relaxation, stability and strength.

The seeds of peace, crucial to cultivate in these times of chaos and conflict, are found within our most painful, as well as delightful, emotions and experiences. When we unlock those experiences through meditation, we discover the intrinsic clarity and compassion of our own being, right in the midst of all states of mind and life situations. Contemplation practices expand the effect of that clarity and compassion into all our most habitual patterns.

Join us for the second "weekthün" of our monthlong retreat, or dathün. The retreat will include meditation instruction and guided sessions of shamatha (peaceful abiding) practice to stabilize the mind, and vipashyana (contemplative meditation) to develop insight and open the heart of compassion. It will also include private interviews with qualified meditation instructors. Participants will practice silence and mindful speech; periods of meditation-in-action including cleaning, cutting vegetables, and community tasks; Oryoki (traditional Japanese temple meal practice); and Chi Kung and Shamatha Yoga practices to train the body.

Acharya Dale Asrael has been leading meditation retreats internationally since 1980, focusing on the practices of the three yanas of Buddhadharma. An associate professor at Naropa University in the Transpersonal Counseling Psychology, Buddhist Studies and Contemplative Education departments, she also trains meditation instructors who wish to serve in hospices, prisons and homeless shelters.

Richard Reoch is the president of Shambhala. Born into a Buddhist family in Canada, he has devoted his working life to defending human rights, protecting the environment and promoting peace. Formerly global media chief of Amnesty International, Richard is a trustee of the Rainforest Foundation, and he heads the International Working Group on Sri Lanka, dedicated to ending the Buddhist world’s longest running war.

Please review the payment and cancellation policies on the registration page carefully as they differ from the general policies for other programs.

Preference for “upgraded” housing (all options other than the seasonal dormitories) will be given to those registering for the full dathün. Please note that if you select dormitory accommodations you may be sleeping on a foam mattress on the shrine room floor.

Please arrive between 2 and 5pm. No activities are scheduled for the departure day. View Detailed Program Information.