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Awakening Joy
A 3-day retreat with James Baraz
True happiness is not about acquisition but rather opening to the natural joy and aliveness right inside you. Today, as we are bombarded with messages that heighten our fear and sadness about the world, more than ever it is vital to understand the importance of joy as a central aspect of spiritual practice. We need to remember how to stay connected to that place inside that makes life worth living. Then our own well-being and joy can become gifts to a troubled world. This retreat will offer instructions on developing mindfulness and loving-kindness with an emphasis on the Buddha’s teaching to cultivate wholesome states.
Retreat Description: The retreat will begin at 10:30am on March 15th and end around 3:00pm on March 17th, 2019. The retreat will be held in Noble Silence. Participants will practice mindfulness meditation, which involves moment-to-moment observation of the mind/body process through calm and focused awareness. This retreat is suitable for beginners and seasoned meditators alike. The teacher will provide instruction and dharma talks. There will also be time for Q&A and group discussion.
Retreat Location: This 3-day retreat will be held at The Cenacle Sisters Conference and Center in Chicago, IL. The Cenacle provides clean and well appointed rooms for sleeping and spacious and peaceful surroundings for both sitting and walking meditation. If weather permits, The Cenacle also features a lovely outside lawn that can be used for walking and reflecting.
Teacher: James Baraz has been a meditation teacher since 1978 and leads retreats, workshops and classes in U.S and abroad. He is a co-founding Teacher of Spirit Rock Meditation Center and co-author of the book, Awakening Joy. He is a Guiding Teacher for One Earth Sangha, a website devoted to expressing a Buddhist response to Climate Change. James lives in Berkeley, California with his wife, Jane. He has two sons and three grandchildren.
Meals: All meals will be vegetarian with vegan and gluten-free options available by request. If you have any dietary restrictions please contact us by sending a message to the retreat coordinator.
Cost: The cost per person for the retreat is as follows:
Single Room: $290
Shared Room: $250
Non-Residential/Commuter: $170
Dana: The teachings are offered freely by James, as the cost of the retreat merely pays for our food and lodging. There will be an opportunity to make a donation (dana) to the teacher at the end of the retreat.
Registration: Space is limited so early registration is highly recommended. Confirmation will be made on a first come basis. If registration becomes full, there will be a waiting list for those who are still interested in attending. To enroll, go to the registration page and select a Single Room, Double Room or Non-Residential option and click Order Now. Once you complete and pay for your registration you will receive an email confirmation from Eventbrite. A week or two before the retreat you will receive information about Cenacle Sisters and what to expect and bring to the retreat.
Refund Policy: Cancellations before February 15th will receive a full refund. No refunds can be offered after March 1st. Scholarships are limited and will pertain to the commuting option only. Please contact the registrar for more information.