Samadhi is a skill of reliable joy. In this online retreat, we cultivate the liberating qualities of samadhi and insight through practicing with the breath. The Buddha declares, “Mindfulness of in-&-out breathing, when developed & pursued, is of great fruit, of great benefit.” Indeed, his meditation instructions on working with the breath offer a detailed and precise path, leading from the relaxation of everyday mental unease to the depths of the Dharma.
During this online retreat, we follow the Buddha’s suggestions and experiment with applying them at a suitable pace and manner. We learn how to work with the breath, body, inner speech, and other actions of the mind and heart so that our hearts can settle, heal, move towards joy and pleasure, and incline to the freedom of the Dharma.
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Some of the themes we will cover:
The breath as a resource
The process of unification and refinement of the body and mind
Working with pains, hindrances, and distracting thoughts
Exploring the awakening factors in Samadhi practice: mindfulness, investigation, energy, joy, tranquility, concentration, and equanimity
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2024-08-23 (3 days) Gaia House
