5 Day Meditation Retreat

Dates: August 15th to 19th, 2008

Teacher: Jason Siff

Location: Questhaven Retreat Center, Escondido, CA

This non-denominational Christian retreat center is nestled among chaparral-covered hills in northern San Diego County. The grounds encompass 640 acres of coastal wilderness traversed by several miles of nature trails offering views of the Pacific Ocean, shaded oak sanctuaries, wayside shrines, seasonal wild flowers and a variety of birds and wildlife. Questhaven offers comfortable single room accommodations and cabins. On this retreat there will be enough free-time to hike, exercise, and read. Meals will be vegetarian and participants will be asked to help with meal preparation and clean up. For more information on the retreat center: www.questhaven.org

Description

This retreat offers a gentle and accepting approach to increase one's awareness of meditative experience. Those new to meditation will be given simple instructions, while experienced meditators may meditate according to their established practice. The emphasis of Jason's way of teaching meditation is not so much on what people decide to do in meditation but on what they experience in meditation. Writing and talking about one's meditation sittings is suggested for anyone attending this retreat. There will be daily group interviews where participants will talk about their sittings, as well as the option for private individual interviews. Through the course of the 5 day retreat Jason will give talks on the meditative process, as well as discuss Buddhist philosophy and psychology in light of people's meditation experiences and interests. The retreat will be held in silence, apart from discussion periods and group interview sessions.

Fee for Room and Board: $300

Checks for retreat fees can be given at the retreat and should be made out to SMP (Skillful Meditation Project). Separate checks can be written for Dana.

Dana

Since the time of the Buddha, the teachings have been given freely because they are considered priceless. Dana is a Pali word meaning giving and generosity. It expresses the spirit of supporting those who freely share their time and understanding to teach the Dharma. Retreatants can offer dana to the teacher in appreciation and gratitude for the teachings. The cost of the retreat covers the food and lodging. Dana is the only financial compensation that the teacher receives for the teachings.

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