The Four Noble Truths and Dependent Origination: Are They Still Applicable? (342X24) - Lottery

Join the wait list! While we have closed the lottery and are beginning the first round of selections, you can still be added to the wait list.

Admission for this retreat is by application and a lottery-style selection in order to maintain a diverse community of practitioners – see Lottery Selection Details below for more information.

Description:
The Buddha’s teachings of the Four Noble Truths and Dependent Origination were formulated more than 2600 years ago, in a social environment radically different from that of today’s “Information Age.” Can it be the case that such ancient tools, which were effective and cherished in their own time, are still fully functional and useful in the hyper-connected, fast-paced society of the West in the 21st Century?

This retreat will be an opportunity to explore these classical teachings and their related practices, and to discover whether they are indeed effective in illuminating our hearts and minds and in leading us to liberation. During our time together, we will create a monastery environment, offering an opportunity to explore the Dhamma in a setting that differs somewhat from a typical meditation retreat. We will all live the monastery life—following the Eight Precepts, taking only what is offered, and reflecting on our every activity as part of our practice. This will include noble silence, morning and evening chanting, stillness and moving meditation, mindful movement sessions, and daily Dhamma talks and teachings.

Retreatants are expected to stay for the entire retreat and to participate fully in the retreat schedule, including the daily work period. Please try to avoid booking flights or making other arrangements that will cause you to arrive late or to leave early. If you have any questions or concerns during the retreat, the retreat coordinators and other staff are available to assist you. We look forward to spending this time together.

The Eight Precepts
1. Not intentionally taking the life of living creatures.
2. Not taking the possessions of others.
3. Refraining from all sexual activity.
4. Refraining from lying, abusive or malicious speech.*
5. Not taking intoxicating drink or drugs.
6. Not eating after mid-day.
7. Not seeking entertainment, playing radios or musical instruments. And dressing in a modest, unadorned way that does not attract attention.
8. Avoiding over-indulgence in sleep.
*On retreat the 4th precept is usually observed as Noble Silence–keeping the silence unless there is a practical necessity to speak.

Registration Fee:
A minimum $250 registration fee is required to reserve a space in this retreat. This fee will be fully refunded following your attendance at the retreat. A retreat of this length would normally cost $3,240.

On the last day of the retreat, participants will be invited to offer dana or make offerings in two categories: support for the retreat teachers and support for Spirit Rock. The word “dana” means generosity and simply translates into a heartfelt donation. Your support offered to the teachers and to Spirit Rock will help us continue to offer these types of unique monastic retreats and the rest of our programs. To read more about the practice of dāna, go to Dāna: The Practice of Generosity.

IMPORTANT – PLEASE READ Updates on our current COVID Safety Protocols for In-person Retreats.

Lottery Closed – Join the wait list
Selection Details:
Applications were accepted between February 7 and March 6, 2024. All applications are assigned a random number for the selection process. The lottery-style selection process helps us balance many factors to create equity, diversity, inclusion, and access across our community of practitioners. The factors include: age, gender, scholarship needs & availability, affinity group participation, and stage of practice (new to experienced). Applications received after the close date are automatically placed on the wait list (and will not be included in the first round of selections). Notification rounds can move quickly in the first few weeks following the first acceptances, so we recommend staying ready. You may be accepted sooner than you realize!

You will be notified about the selection results within two weeks of the application close date. If you have been offered a space, you will have two days to pay a deposit to accept/hold the space. If you don’t accept the space within this deadline, we will offer it to the next person in line.

Cancellation Policy for this Monastic Retreat*:

• Full refund: On or before 8 weeks (May 10)
• $175: 4-8 weeks before (May 11-June 7)
• No Refunds as of 4 weeks before (June 8)

*Fees reduced for serious illness or death in family