People of Color Meditation Retreat (LOTTERY)

“NOTE: This is a lottery retreat. To enter the lottery, download the forms from our website or call (415) 488-0164 x 243 to request a form, after the open date. All forms must be received by 5 pm on February 26, 2009 in order to be entered into the lottery. Insight meditation (Vipassana) means seeing things as they really are. The practice of mindfulness from the Buddhist tradition brings deepening insight into the truth about ourselves and the conditions in which we live. This retreat for communities of color is, through the teaching and practice of mindfulness meditation, centered in wisdom, compassion, the cultivation of a clear mind, an open heart, and the possibility of experiencing greater happiness and freedom in an often oppressive society. This retreat offers a unique opportunity for self-identified people of color to be together in spiritual community. You do not have to call yourself a Buddhist to benefit from meditation. Come in, get on a cushion or chair, and see for yourself, whether you are a beginning or experienced meditator. All retreatants observe noble silence throughout the program. There will be evening talks to provide direction and understanding to support the alternating periods of sitting and walking meditation that comprise the daily schedule. The schedule includes question-and-answer sessions with teachers, in addition to group and individual interviews. Please note that this is not a drop-in retreat and prior registration is needed for attendance. In addition, participants will be required to attend the duration of the retreat. Spirit Rock offers this retreat on a dana basis. The word “”dana”” simply translates into a heartfelt donation. Because we hope that fundraising over the year will cover Spirit Rock’s operating expenses for this program, the 2009 People of Color (POC) dana retreat will have no registration fee. Instead, participants will be invited to offer dana donations in three categories: first to support the retreat teachers, second to support the retreat cooks and retreat managers, and third to cover Spirit Rock’s operating expenses so that the following year’s POC retreat may likewise be offered on a dana basis. We hope that a dana approach will make our POC retreats accessible to more people and that a cycle of generosity and gratitude will contribute to the growth and sustainability of the POC sangha as a result of this donation.”