A retreat is a practice container that emphasizes cooperation and presence in a steady and communal form.

We frame the session in terms of there being three main inter-related aims of our practice: (1) developing wisdom and insight, (2) cultivating the kind heart and compassion, and (3) acting skillfully and ethically in all the parts of our life. In this context, it's interesting that having insight can still be connected with reactivity; it's possible to be both "right" and see something clearly, and be obnoxious. We look at one major way in which insight can be enmeshed with reactivity--what I call "the judgmental mind." We first clarify how "judgment" in English is ambiguous, sometimes meaning judgmental, sometimes meaning discerning without reactivity. The judgmental mind combines typically some kind of noticing, insight, observation, etc. with reactivity, and the key to transforming the judgmental mind is to work through the reactivity, using multiple tools. The last part of the talk outlines our major tools for transforming the judgmental mind, and invites next week's practice. We then have a discussion.

Closing of the Retreat

The teachers read out and respond to anonymous questions from retreatants.

Onward practice in daily life, sharing round, practical information, dedication and sharing of merits. Ayya Virañani & Ariya Baumann

Cultivating a receptive awareness with a light touch. Understanding the part intention plays in right effort

Dharma Talk

Guided meditation.

Reflections on effort and attitude.

The Buddha touched the earth and asked for help to awaken, and this can be seen as a template for us, even in difficult times. This talk begins with our own embodied experience, reflects on the Satipatthana sutta refrain as a description of how nature supports awakening, and closes with Ajahn Chah, who said that we can learn from Nature enough to be enlightened.

3e de 3 enseignements sur les 5 agrégats

The teachers read out and respond to anonymous questions from retreatants.

Guided Meditation

Meditation instructions.

This guided meditation, originally created by Joseph Goldstein, shifts the subject of attention from objects to the awareness that knows.

The teachers read out and respond to anonymous questions from retreatants.