This seven-day Insight Dialogue Retreat explored the deepest meaning of refuge, and the roles of meditation, study and community in a Whole Life Path.
Taking refuge only makes sense when we recognize that suffering is not just the result of a body that ages and must be fed, or of a social life that demands maintenance. There is stress in living with the basic insecurity of a changeable world and a body and brain that seek security and stability. For stress relief, we usually distract ourselves with sensory and social pleasures. However, at our retreat we will examine a different way of taking refuge through addressing questions, such as the ones below.
What does it really mean to take refuge in meditative qualities of the mind, and how can we learn to touch these qualities in our busy, interpersonal lives? What does it mean to take refuge in a deep and sincere study of the natural laws that govern the human experience, in the Dhamma? And, above all, what does it mean to take refuge, and find both solace and a reminder of the tough and beautiful road to a free heart in a community dedicated to awakening?
These are just some of the questions that we will explore in the annual Whole Life community Retreat in Virginia in 2012. | 
