[5 nights] Gladdening the Heart-Mind: Bringing Joy to the Fore On and Off the Cushion

Gladdening the Heart-Mind: Bringing Joy to the Fore On and Off the Cushion

with Bill and Susan Morgan

April 4-9

Barre Center for Buddhist Studies

Barre, MA

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Without gladdening the mind when it needs to be gladdened, realization will not be possible. ~Bhikkhu Analayo 

In the West, we often focus a bit too much on the dukkha aspect of the Buddha’s teaching and not enough on the sukka, or happiness, side of experience. Sukka is a product of joy! Without joy, happiness eludes us, and without happiness, meditation stagnates.

Too often joy is underappreciated and not prioritized as a quality to cultivate. But joy enables our meditation practice to grow, develop, and bloom. 

Joy is an essential ingredient in the pursuit of awakening, in moving toward less suffering and more ease of well being. Featured in two traditional lists, the Bojjhanga or Awakening Factors and the Brahmaviharas, joy gives the uplift necessary to skillfully work with the hindrances that we inevitably encounter.

So, what brings joy to the fore? How can we cultivate it in our meditation practice? What helps sustain joy? 

During our time together we will explore this wholesome heart quality. Our teaching style is practical, focusing on the establishing and developing of a mindfulness practice that is relevant and sustainable to our lives. We will utilize a variety of meditation instructions, guided meditations, and practices. Periods of teaching will alternate with sitting and walking meditation. There will also be time for group discussion and dyadic mindful communication exercises.

NOBLE SILENCE:

This program includes dedicated periods of both wise speech and noble silence. Some contemplative exercises may involve mindful speaking and listening. Noble silence is to be upheld at all other times.

COST:

Supported: $595

Mid Level (Actual Cost): $745

Sustaining: $945

Benefactor: $1,195

Non-Resident: $350

Financial Assistance: A sliding scale may be chosen on the registration page and additional financial assistance from Barre Center for Buddhist Studies (BCBS) can be requested when registering. Or click here for information on scholarship assistance through Bill and Susan after you contacted BCBS.

DANA:

Fees do not include payments to teachers. Students are invited to support the teachers with dana (generosity) at the end of the retreat.

BCBS CANCELLATION POLICY:

• If you need to cancel your registration, please contact BCBS as soon as possible. 
• If you cancel two or more weeks before a program begins, cancellation fees are $50 for all programs longer than two nights and $25 for weekend programs. 
• If you cancel less than two weeks before your program begins, your full deposit is forfeited. 
• If you have requested financial assistance, cancellation fees are $50 for all programs longer than two nights and $25 for weekend programs. 
• All cancellation fees support our Scholarship Funds.

REGISTER THROUGH BCBS WEBSITE