Winter Retreat 2011

Winter Retreat

MABA 299 Heger Lane, Augusta, MO 63332

January 3rd through March 26th , 2011 Tel: 636-4824037 Fax: 636-4824078

Monastics at MABA will observe the traditional 3-month Rains Retreat, which has existed since the time of the Buddha. This will be an opportunity for studying and deepening our practice, as well as applying the teachings in daily activities.

What does this mean to friends, supporters and practitioners of MABA?

In essence, the Monastics of MABA will be on a 3-month retreat from January to March alternating weeks of study with weeks of practice. Unless you are able to register to attend for a full week, the Monastery will be open to the public only on Sundays and closed to the public Monday through Saturday. Everyone is welcome, as always, for the regular Sunday schedule, which we hope all our supporters, practitioners, and friends will continue to attend.

Retreat Schedule

Study Weeks:

The weekly schedule alternates 2 Practice Weeks and a Study Week.

(Monday to Saturday)

1/3 – 1/8. 1/24 – 1/29,

2/14 – 2/19, 3/7– 3/12

Practice Weeks:

(Monday to Saturday)

1/10 – 1/15, 1/16 – 1/22, 1/31 – 2/5, 2/7 – 2/12, 2/21 –

2/26, 2/28 – 3/5, 3/14 – 3/19, 3/21 – 3/26

5:00am Wake Up 5:00am Wake Up

5:20 Exercise 5:20 Exercise

5:40 Sitting Meditation 5:40 Sitting Meditation

6:35 Morning Service 6:35 Morning Service

7:30 Breakfast 7:30 Breakfast

8:00 Cleanup/Work at the Monk House 8:00 Cleanup/Work at the Monk House

9:00 Studies/ Work at the Monk House 9:00 Sitting Meditation/ Work at the Monk House

10:00 Studies/Reading 10:00 Sitting/Walking Meditation

12:00 noon Lunch/Clean Up/Personal Time 12:00 noon Lunch/Clean Up/Personal Time

2:00pm Studies/Readings 2:00 Walking/Sitting Meditation

4:00 Working Meditation/Evening Exercise 4:00 Working Meditation/Evening Exercise

5:00 Light Snack/Personal Time 5:00 Light Snack/Personal Time

6:00 Studies/Readings

6:00

Walking/7:00 Walking/Sitting Meditation Sitting Meditation

7:45 Evening Service 7:45 Evening Service

8:00 Personal Study 8:00 Personal Study

10:00 Rest 10:00 Rest

(Practice replaces study during the practice weeks)

Date of Arrival and Departure

Sunday is our only arrival/departure day for each weekly session. We recommended a minimum stay of one week, and some practice experience is recommended also. If you cannot stay for one week, you can participate in our regular Sunday Service.

Severe/Snowy Weather: Please note that in the event of a severe snowstorm, the Sunday Service will be cancelled, due to possible dangerous driving conditions.

If you wish to stay longer than two weeks, please write a letter to us to express your motivation and previous experience beforehand. The community will make a decision only after your first two weeks stay at MABA, based on your capacity to live in harmony with the community and your commitment to the practice. Thank you for your understanding.

Accommodation, Food and Cost

The lodging at MABA is simple with only dormitory rooms. You are provided with a mattress. The dormitories are heated in the winter. All meals are vegetarian. Unfortunately, we are limited in our capacity to accommodate people who have special dietary or medical needs.

Cost is by donation. (Please note that our monastery & activities are funded by Donations only, so please be as generous as you can.)

What to Bring

Towels and toiletries (toothbrush, hand lotion, deodorant, etc.), bed sheets, warm sleeping bag, pillow and personal items: alarm clock, flashlight, warm clothing, umbrella and footwear for cold and rainy/snowy weather in the winter, and slip-on shoes that can be easily removed for entering meditation halls. Trips into town discouraged, so please bring any items that you know that you will need.

Registration

You can register by mail by filling in the registration form on our website and sending it to us with your contribution.