Retreat Description: Many of us aspire to help others through peace and social justice work. We also know that peace in the world begins with peace in ourselves. During this retreat, we will cultivate mindful presence with every breath, so that we may be in touch with our own happiness and difficulties, holding both tenderly. We will practice the Buddha’s teachings on living in the present from the Sattipattana Sutta, the sutra on the four establishments of mindfulness. These simple practices can be the foundation for lives of social action and love in a world of need.

Our time together will include formal sitting and walking meditation, guided meditation, work meditation with the Southern Dharma staff, daily Dharma talks, private interviews with Leslie, solitary practice opportunities, and the natural beauty and peace of Southern Dharma in the fall.

The retreat will be mostly silent. It is appropriate for both new and experienced practitioners. Friends engaged in social action are particularly invited to attend.