Scholarship Opportunity: Intimacy and Awakening: An Online Insight Meditation Retreat with David Chernikoff

Enlightenment is intimacy with all things. This  teaching by Dogen Zenji, the founder of Soto Zen Buddhism, has profound  implications for how we understand ourselves and our world. In a  supportive, caring environment, we’ll explore these implications and the  ways in which they can inspire a heartfelt commitment to what Zen  teachings call the Great Way. A primary focus of the retreat will be the practice of sitting and walking meditation in silence.There  will be meditation  instruction and a dharma talk on the retreat theme.  In addition, we'll do some guided meditations and interactive exercises  that are designed to deepen our understanding of the role of intimacy  in our personal lives and in the process of spiritual awakening.

A student of meditation since 1971, David has  completed the Community Dharma Leader training at Spirit Rock  Meditation Center and has been teaching Insight Meditation since 1988.  His teaching has been influenced by senior teachers from the Insight  Meditation Society and Spirit Rock, Tibetan teachers he studied with  during a 3-year stay in Nepal, and spiritual guides from other  contemplative traditions, most notably Ram Dass, Father Thomas Keating,  and Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi. David taught  meditation and psychology at Naropa University for many years and  currently has a private practice as a spiritual counselor and life coach  in Boulder. He teaches workshops and retreats throughout the U.S. David  is the author of Life, Part Two: Seven Keys to Awakening with Purpose and Joy as You Age.

Schedule

All times are for Central time zone

(*Indicates online activity)

Friday April 1st

*7:30 – 8:15pm - Opening session

*8:15 – 9:00pm - Meditation instruction and sitting practice

9:00pm… - Rest or further practice

Saturday April 2nd

*7:15 – 8:00 am - Sit with practice leader

8:00 – 9:30 am - Home-based practice

*9:30 – 10:30 am  - Meditation instruction and sitting practice

10:30 – 11:15 am - Walking meditation instruction / Walking meditation or mindful movement

*11:15 – 12:00 pm - Meditation instruction and sitting meditation

*12:00 – 12:30 pm - Discussion / Q & A (video optional)

12:30 – 2:00 pm - Home-based practice

*2:00 – 3:00 pm - Meditation instruction and sitting practice

3:00 – 3:30 pm - Walking meditation or mindful movement

*3:30 – 4:30 pm - Dharma talk

4:30 – 5:00 pm - Walking meditation or mindful movement

*5:00 – 6:00 pm - Experiential exercises

6:00 – 7:30 pm - Home-based practice

*7:30 – 8:30 pm  - Discussion / Q & A (video optional)

8:30 pm - Rest or further practice

Sunday April 3rd

*7:15 – 8:00 am - Sit with practice leader

8:00 – 9:30 am - Home-based practice

*9:30 – 10:15 am  - Meditation instruction and sitting practice

10:15 – 11:00 am - Walking meditation or mindful movement

*11:00 – 12:30pm - Closing session

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.