John Orr: Taking a Deep Breath of Gratitude

As Our World Continues To Change

It’s a interesting time to be alive on our planet! Living through a deadly pandemic, needing to confront a racist history in our country and feeling the pain of the earths environment have been strong catalysts for change in our world. Indeed our planet seems to be going through a great transition and so are we, as it’s inhabitants.

As humans, we are creatures of habit, and we experience fear and stress when the circumstances of our lives are so uncertain, and we feel a loss of control. Amidst challenging times, what is the ground for our suffering? How can we find spaciousness and freedom even when life seems so uncertain and difficult? Using the wisdom practices of Vipassana and Pure Awareness and our heart-centered meditations, we have the tools needed to navigate the bumpy road ahead. Can we take a deep breath of gratitude for all the light and love in the universe which is being offered to us amidst all the change?

Join us for this weekend retreat as we have the opportunity to slow down and connect with our wise and loving hearts. The retreat will include meditation instructions, guided heart centered practices and Dharma talks and discussion. Chanting from various spiritual traditions brings energy and joy to our retreat.

Because the retreat will be via zoom, the schedule will allow as full participation as possible for those from different parts of the country. People of all levels of experience are welcome to join us and considering this is a “at home” retreat we suggest you be as silent as your circumstances permit. We hope you will be able to be with us for this virtual Flowering Lotus retreat!

Teacher Bio

John Orr received Theravada Buddhist ordination and training for a period of eight years while living as a monk in the 1970’s in Thailand and India. His Asian teachers are Ajahn Chaa, Ajahn Buddhadasa and S.N. Goenka. He has been teaching meditation and leading retreats at various centers around the country since 1980. After retiring from the faculty of Duke University, John recently relocated to his new home outside of Asheville, North Carolina.

Retreat Schedule

Friday, September 17

6:00 Introductions/Refuges/Precepts

7:00 Personal Tme

7:45 Dharma Talk & Sitting

9:15 End For Evening

Saturday, September 18

7:15-8:00am Early Morning Chanting/Sitting (Optional)

8:00 Personal Time

9:00  Instructions & Sitting

10:30 Walking Meditation

11:15 Sitting

12:00pm Personal Time

2:30 Sitting

3:15 Walking

3:45 Instructions & Questions

4:45 Walking/Mindful Movement

5:30 Sitting

6:00 Personal Time

7:30 Sit/Guided Heart Meditation/Chanting

8:15 Dharma Talk/Discussion

9:30 Rest

Sunday, September 19

7:15-8:00am Early Morning Chanting/Sitting(Optional)

8:00 Personal Time

9:00  Instructions & Sitting

10:30 Walking

11:00  Closing Circle

12-1:00. Sangha Social Time (Optional)

If you have questions or need additional information about  this retreat or other Flowering Lotus program offerings, please contact:

Beth Herzig, Retreat Director

floweringlotusms@gmail.com

601-918-8510

Ticket Prices

We ask that you support Flowering Lotus and those whose needs are greater  by registering at the highest level ($75, $50, $25) with which you’re comfortable.

All are welcome to participate, regardless of ability to pay. If you  are unable to pay the minimum $25 registration, select “Scholarship”,  and no payment will be required.

There will be an opportunity to make a dana* contribution in any  amount, to Flowering Lotus and the teachers at the online event. Your  generosity is a gift that supports not just the teacher; but also the  Sangha (Flowering Lotus); the larger Dharma community; and, most  importantly, your own practice.

*Dana is a Pali word that is generally translated “generosity.”  We are  taught to practice dana, or generosity, by making monetary offerings for  the teachings. Dana is not payment for services rendered – it is given  from the heart. Dana is the first theme in the Buddha’s system of  gradual training and the first of the three grounds for meritorious  action.

Contributions

Dana contributions to John Orr may be made online at paypal.me/JohnOrr108

To donate by check, please make your check to John Orr and mail to: 

165 Curtis Miles Road 

Alexander, NC 28701

Please put 9/17 – 9/19 retreat in the memo line to make sure your dana offering goes where it’s intended to go.