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Retreat Dharma Talks

This is How Civilizations Heal: The Alchemy of the Three Poisons - A BIPOC Retreat

Greed, aversion, and delusion, collectively known as the three poisons, are mind states that cloud the heart and mind. But these energies contain information that can lead us to a healing that can mitigate the chaos of the world.

Toni Morrison wrote, “I know the world is bruised and bleeding. And though it is important not to ignore its pain, it is also critical to refuse to succumb to its malevolence. Like failure, chaos contains information that can lead to knowledge, even wisdom. That is how civilizations heal.” By clearly recognizing the three poisons, we can meet them with their antidotes of generosity, mettā, and wisdom. Generosity can expand our ability to feel connected and remind us that we belong to each other. Mettā opens the heart, protecting us from both inner and outer harm, while wisdom allows us to see things right sized as we move through the world.

This retreat is silent except for teacher-led Q&A, small groups, or other practice meetings.

2025-06-27 (7 days) Spirit Rock Meditation Center

  
2025-06-28 Practicing with the First Foundation of Mindfulness (Retreat at Spirit Rock) 63:32
Amana Brembry Johnson
The body is the first door to awakening. When the body is at ease, the mind more easily follows. We begin with intentional, kind attention to the body before turning awareness to an object of focus. Curiosity and investigation of the arisings and passing away of sensation in the body cultivates intimacy with habits of mind and corresponding body sensations.
2025-06-30 Delusion, Forgetfulness and the Case of Mistaken Identity (Retreat at Spirit Rock) 58:19
Amana Brembry Johnson
Life lived within the myth of a separate self that has dominion over nature, is to live a life of delusion and self-deception. This distorted mental perception can only be dissolved by the arising of wisdom.
2025-07-01 Mindfulness of Mind (Retreat at Spirit Rock) 60:54
Amana Brembry Johnson
Investigating the mind as object to bring awareness to our habits of mind and how those habits create our perceived reality.
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