Sustained Awareness: A Meditation Retreat

For those interested in deepening their Meditation practice, Ratna Ling has designed three annual meditation retreats for folks at different stages of the path. Join Resident Teachers George Wiegand and Karmyn Ojeda for a fun, enlightening journey into your mind...

We invite you for a 4-day Retreat to cultivate stability and calmness in the mind.

For many of us, thoughts seem to arise constantly, randomly, and out of our control. Our Teacher, Tarthang Tulku, describes this in his book Caring:

“If we look closely and patiently, we see that our feelings, moods, reactions, and judgments seem to appear from nowhere. One moment we feel one way and focus our attention in a certain direction, and the next moment a new set of feelings and concerns has popped up like a bubble in the water.”

How do we learn to discipline the mind and harness it for our own good?

In this retreat, we review the 9 stages of shamatha (calm abiding meditation), as depicted in this painting of a monk, elephant and monkey on the path. The monkey represents the activity of our mind which jumps constantly, looking for satisfaction. The monk represents methods for training the mind to be present and calm. The elephant represents our untrained mind that slowly understands and becomes trained to be present.  We will explore how the mind, with time and dedicated practice, can become tamed and supportive to us.


Using guided meditation, visualization, sensory awareness, and mindful movements, we will move towards more clarity and stillness inside ourselves.
This weekend includes:














Silent Practice
Guided Meditation/Visualization
Readings and Discussion
Kum Nye Tibetan Yoga













 

Schedule (Subject to change):

THURSDAY

3pm  Check in
4:30pm Kum Nye Tibetan Yoga in Nature
5:30pm Dinner
7pm Opening Circle; Overview of the Meditation Path

FRIDAY

7am Morning Meditation
8am Breakfast
9-10:30am The Elephant: The Mind
11-12:15pm  The Monkey: The Activity of Mind
12:15pm Lunch
1:15pm Optional Sitting in the Temple
3-4pm Meditation in Nature
4:30-5:30 The Monk: Methods to Train the Mind
5:30pm Dinner
7-8:30pm Evening Session

SATURDAY

7am Kum Nye & Meditation
8am Breakfast
9-10:30am  Meditation
11-12:15pm  Meditation
12:15pm Lunch + Quiet Time
3-4pm Meditation in Nature
4:30-5:30 Review the Techniques
5:30pm Dinner
7-8:30pm Evening Session

SUNDAY

8-845am  Meditation
9-10am  Closing Circle
10am   Brunch

For directions to Ratna Ling - Ratna Ling Retreat Center 35755 Hauser Bridge Rd Cazadero, CA 95421
Accommodations are beautiful lux cabins



ADDITIONAL DETAILS

Transportation to/from Ratna Ling is NOT included - carpooling encouraged
Payments are nonrefundable and transferable to a future Ratna Ling stay or retreat
Each cottage includes TWO private rooms with queen beds, large dining & living area, gas fireplace,
spacious deck, jacuzzi tub, linens/towels/hand soap, kitchenette with tea & coffee, complimentary wireless internet. Towels and hand soap are provided.

5 vegetarian meals are served during our weekend together.
What people are saying about our retreats:
What people are saying about our retreats:



“The accommodations were great along with the beautiful surroundings - everything was so peaceful and nurturing.”
“It was exactly what I needed – to disconnect, get in tune with my soul and recharge my spirit.”
“I loved having time to myself to reflect on my life and where I am going. Thank you Ratna Ling."


“Space for reflection while also giving me anchor points through teachings.”
“Denelle was kind and patient with each individual in the workshop. She helped me extend my limits in the practice.”
“Being able to move at my own pace is a luxury. And of course the food was delicious."