The Way of the Bodhisattva with Bill Knight

The Way of the Bodhisattva was written by the sage Shantideva in 8th Century India but this venerated teaching remains remarkably relevant to our challenging days and times. Pema Chodron has described The Way of the Bodhisattva as a “guidebook for compassionate action”. There are three ways we can benefit from this teaching. It can help us to free ourselves from confusion and unskillful habit patterns. It can be a source of encouragement for strengthening our wisdom and compassion. Finally, we can learn to share the wisdom these teachings offer with everyone we meet.

Shantideva’s message is both simple yet profound. We can transform our lives by awakening the longing of Bodhichitta. Bodhichitta is a Sanskrit word that refers to the awakened heart and mind. In his teachings, Shantideva describes how to work skillfully with emotional reactivity as we free ourselves from self-absorption. He further describes how to move beyond the false security of habitual patterns and learn to relax in the uncertainty and unpredictability of our lives. Ultimately, the goal of these teachings is to make Bodhichitta a way of life.

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.

Noble Silence

To support our mindfulness practice and to minimize distractions, the retreat will be held in silence. The silence will begin at 6:45 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 while keeping physical distancing. The Noble Silence will end with lunch on Sunday. The practice of Noble Silence can be a powerful support for deepening insight.

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 8:30 am, 12:30 pm and 5:30 pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. We will finish at 12:30 on Sunday, March 27th. You are invited stay and have lunch with your fellow yogis.

Fees

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 March 1st, 2022. Your place at the retreat is not confirmed until we have received your payment and the completed registration form.

Dana

Dana is the Pali word for generosity. Throughout Buddhist history, spiritual teachings have been offered to people free of charge. In turn, those receiving the teachings supported the monks, nuns and lay teachers as best they could, completing the circle of giving and receiving. Near the end of the retreat you will be invited to offer Dana to the teacher.