This retreat is now full. If you would like to be put on the waiting list, please contact info@mettacenter.org.
Conquer anger through gentleness, unkindness through kindness, greed through generosity, and falsehood by truth. Be truthful; do not yield to anger. Give freely, even if you have but little. The gods will bless you.
-Dhammapada, chapter 17. Translation by Eknath Easwaran
Better than a speech of a thousand words is one thoughtful word which brings peace to the mind. Better than a poem of a thousand verses is one thoughtful line which brings peace to the mind. Better than a hundred poems of vain stanzas is one word of the dharma that brings peace to the mind.
–Dhammapada, chapter 8. Translation by Eknath Easwaran
A transformative weekend retreat with the Metta Center
Retreat Dates: August 1-3, 2014
Location: the beautiful, serene and healing Mt. Madonna Center, Watsonville, Ca
Retreat Concept Description:
As the Dalai Lama says, “Compassion is the religion of this age.” And in this age of crisis, religion and spiritual practice to be meaningful must be engaged in the task of helping to change the world. At such critical times, timeless truths are vital. In this retreat we will explore the practical significance of the teachings that come down to us from one of the greatest teachers of all time: the Compassionate Buddha. For all those of us who urgently wish to act but as are as urgently concerned not to jeopardize our spiritual practice, we must act from a place of compassion. We believe that in any case this is the only way to act for lasting change, for we understand that effective action must arise from positive states of consciousness.
In this retreat we will explore the practical teachings of Buddha, as contained in the Dhammapada (the “Way of the Law”). Includes instruction in passage meditation and practice along these or other lines as suited to participants’ needs and experiences. Opportunities for yoga, movement, free form discussion flow, guided sessions, poetry, laughter and hiking will be integrated into our time together. There will also be childcare!
This retreat is intended for anyone who is interested in going deeply into the notion of compassion in action though the study of the words of the Buddha. You do not need to be a practitioner of Buddhism.
Sean reading the Bhagavad Gita at our December retreat at Mt. Madonna
Retreat Reading: The Dhammapada, translated by Eknath Easwaran
*Dhammapada means “the path of dharma,” the path of truth, harmony, and righteousness. Eknath Easwaran’s best-selling translation of this essential Buddhist text, based on the oldest version, consists of 423 short verses gathered by the Buddha’s direct disciples after his death and organized by theme: anger, thought, joy, pleasure, and others. The Buddha’s timeless teachings take the form of vivid metaphors from everyday life and are well served by Easwaran’s lucid translation. An authoritative introduction and chapter notes offer helpful context for modern readers.*
Michael Nagler with Maria and Paul at our December retreat at Mt. Madonna
The format:
The weekend will alternate periods of study, reflection, and personal relaxation (hiking, yoga, meditation) at one of the country’s most beautiful retreat centers in the redwoods of the Santa Cruz mountains with beloved scholar of nonviolence, Professor Michael Nagler.
Together we will dive into and drink at the springs of a highly accessible translation of the foremost spiritual classics of the world combined with key insights to the power of nonviolence in facing contemporary world crises.
Participants will receive a finalized retreat schedule and materials one month ahead of the retreat but can expect the following:
·The retreat will open its doors on Friday, August 1 at 4 pm with dinner served at 5:30.
·The retreat will end at 1 pm on Sunday, August 3rd with a hearty snack served at 12 pm.
·Periods of meditation and yoga will be integrated into the weekend for those who choose to engage with these practices (a short workshop in Passage Meditation will take place on Friday evening for those who are interested in taking up a meditation practice).
·There will be a total of six 1 to 2 hour sessions in group (including partner, free flow and small group study) throughout the weekend, with plenty of time to integrate and explore the natural environment.
Retreat Cost: See Mt. Madonna costs below.
*Some financial assistance available for a limited number.
| Housing Type | Cost | |
| Commuting | $42/person/day | |
| Own Tent or Vehicle | $53/person/day | |
| Center Tent | $61/person/day | |
| Triple (3 to a room or cabin) | $91/person/day | |
| Double (2 to a room or cabin) | $105/person/day | |
| Single (1 to a room or cabin) | $134/person/day | |
| Single with bath | $161/person/day |
Maximum Registration: 18 people.
*Cancelations 2 months ahead of retreat will only be refunded if we can find a replacement for your stay.
QUESTIONS: CONTACT STEPHANIE (STEPHANIE [@] METTACENTER [DOT] ORG) OR CALL THE METTA OFFICE: 707-774-6299
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By: Stephanie Van Hook
Stephanie Van Hook is Executive Director of the Metta Center for Nonviolence.
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Gandhi’s Influence on Dr. James Farmer
A Door Into Ocean
Bystander Intervention is only the beginning
Film Screening Thurs. Dec.10
We cannot love our “enemies.”
CAN YOU RECOMMEND A RETREAT THAT ACCOMMODATES WEEK OR WEEKS STAY FOR ONE INDIVIDUAL THAT INCLUDES LODGING.
you might check into mt. madonna center.
Is the registration still open? I can’t find the right link….
does this retreat still have openings? looking for one, possibly 2, openings.
Hi Devi. The retreat is just about full, but if you are certain you would like to go, please call the Metta Center today at 707 774 6299.