Working with Emotions - the Buddha's Way with Ayya Sobhana

 Emotion is normal and essential for our existence in this world, but in the Buddha's teaching, it is also part of what keeps us "hooked."  Mindfully observing and fully understanding the process of the five aggregates, one can let go of attachment and identification with them. With letting go comes the experience of freedom, clarity, forgiveness and compassion for the entire emotional process ... in oneself and in others. It is in this state of balance and clarity that the Noble Path of Buddhism can be fully developed.

This retreat is especially designed to help practitioners see the reactivity of our bodies and minds to emotional triggers, and to find methods for a more peaceful, light-hearted way of living.  Ayya Sobhana has developed an approach to afflictive emotions based on the Buddha's teaching on the “five aggregates of clinging.”  She takes emotion to include the entire bundle of reactive body states, feelings, and thoughts.

This course will include instructions for sitting and walking meditation, Dhamma talks, individual interviews, and group discussion.

What to Bring:

• Comfortable Modest Clothing (Review Guidelines) 
• Healthy snack(s) to share with group (vegetarian or vegan)
• Water Bottle with a lid
• Easy to slip on and off shoes
• Journal (optional)
• Yoga Mat (optional)

Teacher Bio: 

Ayya Sobhana is a Harvard graduate, who has trained with master Dhamma and meditation teacher Bhante Henepola Gunaratana since 1989. She "went forth" into monastic life as a Samaneri in 2003 and obtained full Bhikkhuni ordination at Dambulla, Sri Lanka in 2006. In 2010 Ayya Sobhana moved from the Bhavana Society of West Virginia to Aranya Bodhi Awakening Forest Hermitage. Aranya Bodhi is a private redwood forest preserve and retreat for Buddhist monastic women on the Sonoma Coast of Northern California. In 2016 she was appointed Vice Abbess of Dhammadharini, offering teaching and training at both Aranya Bodhi and the bhikkhuni community's new Dhammadharini Monastery in the Sonoma Mountain area of Penngrove, California, north of San Francisco. She teaches around the Bay Area, and on both coasts of the US, offering retreats at Spirit Rock Meditation Center, Southern Dharma Retreat Center, and in the next months at Buddhist Insights of New York and Cloud Mountain Retreat Center. Her primary practice is the Eightfold Noble Path—integration of meditation with ethical living and compassionate relationships for the sake of liberation.

Teacher Professional and Social Links:

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/dhammadharini/ 

Sangha Websites: http://www.dhammadharini.net/ and http://www.dhammadharini.net/aranya-bodhi-hermitage

Ayya Sobhana’s Dhamma Talks: https://dd.dharmaseed.org/teacher/469/ 

Accommodations: 

Lodging is dormitory-style. Participants should bring their own linens for a single bed, pillow, blanket or sleeping bag, and all toiletries. There are also hotel accommodations nearby. NOTE:  a very limited number of private rooms might be available at an additional cost.  Single Occupancy = $80/night; Double Occupancy = $50/night. Please include your lodging fee when you register. Space is limited, so register today. 

Food: 

The retreat includes five delicious vegetarian meals:

• Friday: Dinner
• Saturday: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Sunday: Breakfast

Please note any food allergies or dietary restrictions on the registration form.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact: 

Patsy St. Blanc

Registration Manager

patsyfl@yahoo.com

Registration and Release Info:

Initial reservation fee: $50 (does not include post-retreat donation/dana or lodging)