Noble Silence: A Silent Retreat Weekend of Buddhist Meditation, Reflection, and Rest

A DHARMAKAYA CENTER RETREAT
Imagine the peace that comes with a weekend of silence. No insistent beeps and buzzes demanding immediate attention. No distracting debates about the state of the world. No pressure to be witty or wise. Only the opportunity to be present with yourself, and the opening  to mindfully observe and release the thoughts and emotions that arise. As we move into the holiday season, silence serves as a way to ground yourself—setting a solid foundation for the coming festivities.

"I found the stillness once again."
BRING A FRIEND DISCOUNT: Do you know someone who would like this program, but hasn't been to the Center? Bring them, and you both get a 10% discount on your entire program package. For the discount to apply, there must be two reservations, at least one of whom has not taken a Dharmakaya Center class previously. At checkout, apply the Discount Code: BringAFriend.

SCHOLARSHIPS: Partial scholarships may be available for this program. Please write retreats@dharmakayacenter.org for more information.


PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Life has been quite insistent recently—and the upcoming holiday season will only amplify that pressure.

Seize a moment for yourself, before the onslaught. No devices. No conversations. No scattered inputs demanding your attention. Create space for your mind to calm, space to harness the power of meditation, protected from the distractions and stressors of daily life. By centering yourself, you will be better prepared for the coming weeks.

After dinner Friday night, you will be asked to relinquish your cell phone*, and the silence begins. Between group meditation sessions—both sitting and walking—you can take contemplative walks around the property, meditate on your own, or use a journal to explore your inner landscape. There will be an opportunity each day for group or one-on-one conversations with the teacher to discuss goals and uncover roadblocks.

Group silence creates an atmosphere of deep tranquility, and with it the ability to rest in the present moment. Together, you collectively deepen your meditation practices, and enjoy a rare chance for self-inquiry, insight, and the possibility of inner transformation.

 

*Please give loved ones the Dharmakaya Center main number as an emergency contact.

 

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

Intimate setting with personal access to the teacher
Interactive sessions with question and answer periods
Personal and guided meditation sessions
Delicious all-vegetarian meals with locally sourced ingredients
Option to extend stay on Personal Retreat
Extensive library of dharma books
Expansive wooded grounds with beautiful flora and fauna


OPEN TO ALL
There are no prerequisites for this program; it is appropriate for meditators at all levels and those simply interested in learning more about themselves.

SCHEDULE
(subject to change)

Friday, December 6




3:00 PM
Check in begins


6:00-7:00 PM
Dinner


7:15-8:15 PM
Welcome and Introduction



Discussion on Retreat Mind



Opening Ceremony



Saturday, December 7




7:00-8:00 AM
Morning Salutations and Meditation, optional


8:00-8:45 AM
Breakfast


9:00-10:30 AM
Introduction to Calm-Abiding Meditation and its Application


11:00-11:45 AM
Meditation






12:00-1:00 PM
Lunch


1:30-2:30 PM
Introduction to Walking Meditation and its Application


2:30-4:30 PM
Personal Practice, Reflection, and Rest


4:30-5:15 PM
Meditation


6:00-7:00 PM
Dinner


7:15-8:00 PM
Evening Meditation, optional



Sunday, December 8




7:00-8:00 AM
Morning Salutations and Meditation, optional


8:00-8:45 AM
Breakfast


9:00-10:30 AM
Discussion on "Right Speech"



Meditation


11:00 AM-12:00 PM
Walking Meditation



Closing Ceremony



Group Discussion on Experience


12:00-1:00 PM
Lunch


1:00 PM
Checkout and Departure