Early registration is now open! Please note this is a completely dana based retreat.

Weaving Ourselves Back Into the Fabric of Life: An Exploration of the Four Distortions of Perception

Join us for an in person retreat in the beautiful San Bernardino mountains and deepen your practice within this secluded setting in nature. For this particular retreat, our theme will be clearing up the Four Distortions of Perception, or Vipallasas as they are known in Pali.

Seeing what is impermanent (anicca) as permanent (nicca )
Seeing what is painful (dukkha) as pleasant (sukha)
Seeing what is without a self (anatta) as a self (atta)
Seeing what is not beautiful (asubha) as beautiful (subha)

All we think about and project onto reality tends to be channeled through these misperceptions. As ‘business as usual’ is steadily eroding around us, we are called to navigate the world differently.

At an evolutionary threshold like this the Buddha's teachings are a formidable anchor to keep us grounded while our old narratives are dissolving, and we are urged to go deeper. Putting on the corrective lens of the Dharma - imminent, curious and discerning - we will contemplate a path to greater clarity, understanding and equanimity in our own lived experience, opening the door to our next steps. 

The structure of this silent insight meditation retreat includes a guided meditation with Q&A each day, time for silent sitting and walking meditation periods, rest, mindful movement, Dharma talks, chanting, and small group practice discussion meetings with the teachers.

We will tend to the heart and mind with compassionate mindfulness and strengthen our connection with ourselves and each other, with time for enjoying nature, deep rest, and practice in this beautiful setting.

Together we will explore some of the supports for presence: letting go of distraction, the deliberate cultivation of simplicity and contentment, and a renewed sense of connection with our own bodies, hearts, and minds in community. By bringing mindful attention to our moment to moment experience and learning to clear up our perception, we can learn to cultivate resilience amidst change and grow in awareness, love, and wisdom. 

Dana/Generosity: There will also be an opportunity to offer Dana for the teachers at the end of the retreat. Thank you for your support!

To learn more about Ayya Santacitta’s work, please visit Alokavihara.org