Exploring Emptiness

Schedule

The retreat format is designed to allow you to become more fully immersed in the practice so that you may experience the practice at a deeper level. There will be a full daily schedule of sitting and walking meditation, Dharma talks, yoga, chanting, guided meditations, and small group teacher/student conferences.

At the teacher/student conferences you will have an opportunity to ask questions about your practice. There will also be opportunities to ask questions in the meditation hall.

The first morning mediation will begin at 7:30 am. Meals will be at 8:30am, 12:30 pm and 5:30 pm on Thursday through Saturday. We will finish at 12:30 on Sunday March 12th. You are invited stay and have lunch with your fellow yogis.

Noble Silence

To support our mindfulness practice and to minimize distractions, the retreat will be held in silence. The silence will begin at 6:30 pm Wednesday evening. Maintaining noble silence facilitates becoming more intimate with our inner landscape. When our normal outlets for connecting with the outside world are purposely suspended, we can learn to be more in touch with our inner experience. Retreatants are requested to refrain from speaking to each other, making eye contact or passing notes. We ask that you not read, write or check for cell phone messages during the retreat. Please leave your laptops or tablets at home. If necessary, a note can be left for the manager or the teacher. A board will be provided for this purpose. If you wish to make a few brief notes during the dharma talks or make a note to yourself about some aspect of your practice or an insight you have had, that would be acceptable. Please take care of all personal matters, including phone calls, before we start the silence at 6:45 pm. During Wednesday’s check-in and suppertime, feel free to meet and talk with other retreatants. The Noble Silence will end with lunch on Sunday.

The practice of Noble Silence can be a powerful support for deepening insight.

Arrival

Please plan on arriving Wednesday, March 8th between 3:30pm – 4:55pm. The retreat manager or helpers will be near the entrance to greet you and give you the key to your room. There will be a sign-up sheet for those who would like to help with the bell ringing. Supper will be served at 5:30pm. Getting to the retreat centre on time allows you to settle into your room and find your way around the centre, without being rushed. To attend this retreat, you are required to be present for the entire retreat.

Retreat Housing

The rooms are all single with private washrooms and showers. Towels (are small – you may want to bring one), bar soaps, pillow, sheets and blankets are provided. Each room has an alarm clock (which may or may not work); however, a bell will be rung to awaken you each morning and to call you for every sitting meditation. The building is fully accessible and has an elevator. Do not smoke anywhere at the centre, indoors or outdoors.

What to bring

Bring a mask, indoor shoes or slippers as outdoor shoes are to be removed at the entrance. Shoes must be worn indoors due to safety regulations. Bring all necessary medications and unscentedtoiletries such as shampoo and soap. If you are a heavy sleeper, please bring an alarm. In the Meditation Hall, chairs are provided but benches and/or cushions are welcome. Please bring a mat for YOGA. Also bring a cup for the snack room. Do not move pillows and blankets between the meditation hall and your room.

Regarding Covid restrictions: at this time we are to wear a mask whenever up and about. Sitting with a mask on is optional. We’ll sit 6' apart. This observance will be updated as needed.

What not to bring

Candles, incense and alcohol are not allowed in the facility. As a support to your meditative practice, do not bring books or articles to read. As a support to the other retreatants, do not wear clothing made from noisy fabrics such as those made from nylon. Also, please do not wear clothing or bring blankets that smell of incense, fabric softeners or other scented products. Let us try to make it a scent free zone.

Privacy When outside, please be respectful and avoid the private areas of the centre (Friary, barn, outbuilding, and residences).

Meals  Meals will be vegetarian with some dairy. Those with gluten sensitivity will be offered gluten-free substitutes for an extra charge of $10 per day.

Fees for Exploring Emptiness

The total cost for the retreat (all food & individual rooms with a private bathroom) is $510 for the 4 nights. If you are requesting gluten free meals, the total would be $550. The total payment is due by February 20th, 2023. Your place at the retreat is not confirmed until we have received your payment and the completed registration form.

You can use Interact e-transfer to: dimarkis@outlook.com

Or use a cheque and mail it to:    

Diane Markis

305 – 23 Campus Trail

Huntsville, ON P1H 0G1

Dana/Generosity

Please note that the retreat fees pay for your room, three meals per day and snacks (fruit, cookies, tea, and coffee). This does not include payment to the teacher. The teachings are considered to be priceless and are therefore offered freely by the teacher. Near the end of the retreat, you will be invited to offer Dana/donation to the teacher.

Scholarships

The Muskoka Mindfulness Community has generously donated to a scholarship fund. There are scholarships of $360 available for those that make a request. A fee of $150 would be required from people who receive a scholarship.