In the quiet heart of the redwoods, we’ll spend a weekend meditating in movement and stillness. We will turn toward the Four Boundless Hearts—loving-kindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity—as a way of remembering who we truly are. Come return to your true nature, in nature.
This weekend meditation will be led by Doug Powers along with the monks at Redwood Vihara, Ven. Jin Chuan and Ven. Jin Wei.
To apply for this program, please read and fill out the application as completely and thoughtfully as possible.
Guidelines
The program will be an opportunity for spiritual growth in a monastic setting following the 8 precepts (breakfast and lunch served, refraining from eating past noon unless there are exceptional circumstances), noble silence (speaking only when necessary), and refraining from digital devices (we will be collecting digital devices upon check-in). Please also take a look at the Community Pledge as we all commit to holding this as a community. The 8 Precepts and Community Pledge provides a contemplative container for going deeper into our hearts, minds, and bodies.
Schedule
We will follow a monastic schedule beginning with morning practice at 5am. (See tentative schedule below.) The intention is to create a schedule that is challenging, yet balanced--giving everyone an opportunity to reduce our usual distractions to listen and reflect inward, while at the same time being of service to the community.
Tentative Schedule:
5:00-5:45am Morning Ceremony
6:00-6:45 Sitting Meditation
6:45-7:15 Chores
7:15-8:00 Breakfast & Cleanup
8:00-8:30 Mindful Movement
8:30-9:00 Sitting Meditation
9:00-10:00 Morning Instruction
10:00-10:30 Walking Meditation
10:30-11:00 Sitting Meditation
11:00 Meal Chant
11:00-1:00pm Noon Meal + Cleanup
1:00-2:30 Break
2:30-3:00 Sitting Meditation
3:00-3:30 Walking Meditation
3:30-4:00 Sitting Meditation
4:00-4:30 Walking Meditation
4:30-5:00 Sitting Meditation
5:00-5:30pm Tea / Drink
6:30-7:20 Evening Ceremony + Meditation
7:30-8:30 Evening Talk / Q&A
8:30-9:00 Sitting Meditation
9:00 Three Refuges
If you have questions, please email us at redwoodvihara@gmail.com.