Spring Beginner's Retreat April 17th

Spring Retreat at MABA

Saturday, April 17, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

Mid-America Buddhist Association Monastery

via Hwy. 94 and Schindler Rd. – a secluded and tranquil setting in Augusta, MO

www.maba-usa.org for directions and information

Mindfulness and the

Three Divisions of the Eightfold Path

Last year our Beginner’s Retreats focused on Mindfulness and the Four Noble Truths.  This year we will be looking more deeply into the fourth truth, the Eightfold Path for the cessation of suffering.  There are three divisions of this Path:  Sila (non-harmfulness), Samadhi (concentration), and Panna (wisdom).

This retreat is especially designed for beginners but is also open to more experienced meditators.  We all benefit from renewing our practice, and, as Suzuki Roshi said, Zen is cultivating our “Beginner’s Mind.”

This one day mini-retreat will allow us to investigate the connection between mindfulness sitting practice and the Eightfold Path, the foundation of Buddhist practice.  Each Dharma talk will also include a time for questions and answers and some discussion.  There will also be short breaks between the sessions.   Periods of Noble Silence will be observed.   

Schedule:

8:15  Arrival

8:30  Dharma talk on Mindfulness and the Three Divisions of the Eightfold Path

Overview of the Four Noble Truths, Eightfold Path, and the Three Divisions

9:10  Instructions for Beginning Meditation Practice

    9:30    Sitting Meditation

    10:00  Walking Meditation

10:20  Dharma talk on Mindfulness and the Three Divisions of the Eightfold Path

           The First Division—Sila: Right Speech, Action, and Livelihood Xiankuan Don

    10:55  Sitting Meditation

    11:25  Walking Meditation

***********11:45 am to 1:15 pm  Vegetarian Lunch and clean-up***********

1:20  Dharma talk on and the Three Divisions of the Eightfold Path

         The Second Division—Samadhi: Right Effort, Mindfulness, and Concentration

            Xianzhi Katty

    2:00  Sitting Meditation

    2:30  Walking Meditation

2:50  Dharma talk on Mindfulness and the Three Divisions of the Eightfold Path

         The Third Division – Panna: Wisdom:  Right View and Right Intention

Master Jiru

    3:30  Sitting Meditation – first half focus on the gong

4:00    Dedication of Merit and Closing

4:05-4:30  Clean up of Meditation Hall

Pre-Registration is required.  Please contact Xiankuan Don atdonshushu@yahoo.com to pre-register.  There are no overnight provisions for this Retreat.

As always, teachings are free and open to the public.  Donations to MABA are welcome