A Path of Practice: Concentration, mindfulness, insight & loving kindness

Cultivating a Path of Mindfulness Practice.

Join us for our spring retreat to immerse yourself in the simple yet profound practice of Vipassana Meditation, also known as Insight or Mindfulness practice, under the skilled guidance of Richard Shankman. Rooted in the Buddha's teachings, Richard will guide you in a path of practice that integrates concentration, mindfulness, insight and loving kindness. By practicing in this way, the mind becomes more collected and centred, leading to deepening states of concentration, peace, clarity, and calm abiding. A blend of concentration, calm, and mindfulness builds a strong foundation for the arising of insight. As one observes experience from a place of stillness during meditation, ones' awareness opens into mindfulness of the body and states of the heart and the mind, revealing the four foundations of mindfulness.

This retreat is suitable for all, from beginner meditators new to retreats to experienced practitioners wanting to deepen their practice. There options for this retreat to be residential, non-residential (commuter) or virtual.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

2024 Dates and times

Thursday, May 23, 2024, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 pm *(Please arrive 30 to 45 minutes early to register and settle into a spot). This evening talk is open to the public.

Friday, May 24, 2024, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 pm; 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm *

Saturday, May 25, 2024, 9:00 am to 4:30 pm; 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm*

Sunday, May 26, 2024, 9:00 am to 4:00 p

*there will be an option for non-residential & virtual attendees to attend virtually on Friday and Saturday evening practice if you wish

What to expect

During this silent weekend retreat, periods of still sitting and walking/mindful movement meditation will alternate with meditation instruction and dharma talks. Retreatants will have opportunities to ask questions and participate in small group discussions with the teacher. Otherwise, we will observe noble silence during the retreat.

About the teacher

Richard Shankman resides in Oakland, CA. He is the guiding teacher of the Metta Dharma Foundation, a non-residential meditation center in Berkeley, CA, and teaches classes and residential retreats at dharma centers and groups across North America. Richard is the co-founder of Mindful Schools and the Sati Center for Buddhist Studies, and has been active in bringing dharma and meditation practice into prisons, jails and drug rehabilitation programs in California.

Richard began meditation practice in 1970, in a Hindu-oriented yoga tradition, and spent several years living in an ashram engaged in concentration-based meditation practices. He transitioned to Buddhist practice in the mid 1970’s, and has sat many silent, intensive meditation retreats for periods up to eleven months long.

Richard is interested in how we apply Dharma teachings and practices to live peacefully, with open hearts and in a way that creates less suffering and more well-being for ourselves and others. He practices and teaches meditation that integrates concentration and insight as one path of practice.

Dana for teachers

The registration fee is meant to cover the fixed costs that EIM incurs to offer this retreat. In keeping with the Buddhist tradition, dhamma teachings are offered freely by the teachers. Students are invited to practise dana, or generosity, by giving to their teacher with an open heart what they feel is appropriate and affordable. Your financial support enables teachers such as Richard Shankman to continue sharing the teachings and providing guidance to many others in the future. As well, there will be mindful movement sessions during the retreat that will be offered by an instructor on a dana basis.

Registration

In keeping with EIMs values, we are offering a sliding scale for registration to ensure the retreat is accessible to all regardless of one's financial means. We provide some guidelines for your consideration when you purchase tickets by donation. Please consider paying at the highest rate that you can joyfully offer. Your generosity helps to support Edmonton Insight Meditation Society to bring the dharma teachings and opportunities for meditation practice to the community including future retreats.

Registration will open on February 15, 2024. Registration for in-person attendees and meals will close on Wednesday, May 15, 2024 (one week before the retreat begins). Registration for virtual attendees will close on May 21st @ 9:00 p.m.

Food Options

There will be tea, coffee, and water available throughout the day for retreatants. Note: ***When you register to attend inperson by donation, scroll down to see add on ticket available to order lunch (fixed cost @ $54 for three lunches for the extended weekend retreat). Alternatively, you can bring your own lunch which can be stored in a fridge on one of the main floor kitchenettes; and eat your lunch in designated eating areas. If you are planning to make this a residential retreat, see note below regarding meals. As noted above, please be sure to purchase your lunch tickets by May 15, 2024 so we can place the order with the facility. If you prefer to have only one or two lunches provided ($18/lunch), please contact edmontoninsight@gmail.com to specify the day(s) you would like to have a pre-ordered lunch. Regular, vegetarian, and gluten free option will be available. Please specify any dietary restrictions/preferences in questions asked when you register.

Accommodation for Residential Retreatants

For those who wish to attend this as a residential retreat, please register and then email edmontoninsight@gmail.com to reserve/pay for your room and all meals separately. The fixed costs by the facility include:

Accommodation: single suite with own bathroom ($75/night for one; or $225/3 nights; single suite with own bathroom for double (2 people @ $85/night or $255/3 nights; single room with shared bathroom (@$55/night or $165/3 nights).

Meals: breakfast ($12/each x 3 = $36), lunch ($18/each x 3 = $54); dinner ($18/each x 3 = $54 ). Total for 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and dinners (Thursday, Friday, Saturday) (no Sunday dinner) = $144; Meals without dinner on Thursday = $126.00.

When you reserve meals, please let us know if you have any dietary restrictions/preferences.

Cancellation policy

Retreats involve a number of fixed, upfront costs that are based on the number of retreatants. Costs include facility fees, equipment rental, supplies and teacher expenses (travel costs, meals, accommodation). These costs are not reduced when a registrant cancels. Our cancellation policy intends to be as fair as possible.

Cancellation on or before May 2, 2024, 100% refund minus administrative cost (eventbrite service & processing fees per ticket). Cancellation on or before May 15, 2024: 50% refund unless we can fill your spot. Cancellation after May 15, 2024: no refund unless we can fill your spot.

Cancellations due to personal, family or medical emergencies will be handled on a case-by-case basis. If you contract covid or an illness, please stay home and join us virtually if you can. Please contact the retreat manager at edmontoninsight@gmail.com.

Transportation

If you are driving to the retreat, please consider car pooling for the sake of the planet and to avoid straining parking facilities at the centre, which are free but limited.

More details

Registration packages with more details, including what to bring, will be sent out closer to the retreat. Please check the frequently asked questions. If you would like more information about anything, you are also welcome to contact the Spring retreat manager at edmontoninsight@gmail.com.