Practical Steps Into Liberating Emptiness
Emptiness, suññatā, is both central to Buddha’s teaching and widely misconstrued. The emptiness teachings of the Buddha are not only pragmatic, they are applicable to life here and now.
Experientially, emptiness is freedom from being stuck in “me” and “mine.” It is radical unentangled openness and freedom from clinging to an imagined “self.” Over-thinking ideas of emptiness results in confusion. Much more effective is clear experiencing of emptiness, noticing our assumptions about who “I am,” and our identities. This way, personal narratives melt away like ice in the warm sunlight of natural being.
This retreat will focus on entries and practices that lead toward direct experiencing of emptiness as well as guidance in letting go of the assumptions and identities that veil the direct realization of reality free from habitual overlays.
Practice will be in a safe, quiet, and supportive environment, conducive to sitting, walking and naturally shifting through postures as we meditate throughout the day. You will have time for your favorite approaches to settling and calming, and for experimentation, inquiry and insight. Guidance, reflection, and teaching are offered by Jason, who will share from his over 30 years of exploring and sharing this path. Noble silence, simple living, absence of screens, and the Portiucula Retreat Center’s woods will support practice.
Inevitably, as we enjoy each other’s company, we will also experience and reflect on the benefits of Sangha. Please consider joining us in living sangha as we support and care for each other on the path.
Retreat Location and Details
This retreat will be held at the Portiuncula Center for Prayer in Frankfort, IL.
The Portiuncula Center for Prayer nestled in St. Francis Woods and rooted in the Franciscan tradition, is a sacred space of welcome for those seeking peace of mind, body, and spirit.
The retreat will begin at 11am on Thursday June 6, and end at on Sunday, June 9 at 12 noon. Participants are welcome to stay for lunch at noon. Bring your own cushion/benches, yoga mats; chairs will be provided
About Jason
Jason Bartlett emphasizes a practical approach to Buddha Dharma, drawing practice instructions from a wide variety of traditions. He teaches an understanding of Buddhism which can be applied in the tumult of daily life, with the aspiration to support practitioners at all stages on the path to complete liberation. His specializations include jhana, liberating insight work, prajñāpāramitā, emptiness and non-dual practices.
Jason continues to learn and practice Dharma from across many Buddhist traditions including: Chan, Pure Land, Vajrayāna and Theravāda Buddhism. Jason has also practiced Daoist cultivation and energy work since 1995. Many teachers have greatly inspired him. Among his mentors are Venerable Sucitta Mahātherī, Santikaro Upāsaka, Leigh Brasington, Tulku Yeshi Rinpoche and Venerable Wu Kai Shīfù.
Read more about Jason at luminousdharma.org
Registration Fees
The cost for this residential retreat is as follows:
Single room: $450
Shared room: $400
Commuter: $325
Partial scholarships may be available for those who cannot afford the full fees. Contact events@insightchicago.org for information.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations up to 30 days before the retreat will be subject to a $100 cancellation fee. No refunds will be given within 30 days of the start of the retreat unless a participant can be found to take your place. Eventbrite fees are not refundable. An exception will be made for those who test positive for COVID within 10 days prior to the retreat.
Reciprocal Support-Dana
In addition to the registration fee, teacher dana, “generosity,” is traditionally offered to the teacher at the end of the retreat. The Buddha’s teachings, sanghas of training and practice, places of practice, and practice resources involve the hard work of many people, technical skills, financial generosity, and an overall spirit of reciprocal service. As a participant in this retreat, in addition to the registration payment, we ask you to support Jason Bartlett in ways suitable to your means and abilities. The kindness of others has made this retreat possible; your help ensures that such activities continue. You can learn more about the practice of generosity here.
COVID Policy
Retreatants are expected to take great care with the health and well-being of everyone on the retreat. We strongly recommend retreatants to be fully vaccinated and boosted. Masks will be optional. In the spirit of non-harming, please do not attend if you are ill. In case of illness, exceptions will be made to cancellation fees. Please understand that the COVID policy is subject to change.