Santikaro – Entering the Buddha’s Path with Breathing and All Day Retreat

September 11-13th, 2015

No Set Fee – Pay Whatever You Can Afford

Santikaro.NewSantikaro, a former Theravada monk, returns to the Rime Buddhist Center to present the full range of practice of mindfulness with breathing.

Mindfulness with Breathing is the primary meditative system of Early Buddhism. In it, the Buddha outlined a series of mindful contemplations that begin with the breathing body and work up through insight into the nature of Mind and Dhamma culminating in true knowing and liberation. Santikaro will offer an overview of this system Friday evening, September 11, along with guided practice in the basics of mindful breathing. Saturday’s workshop will explore further developments, primarily through guided practices, discussion, and silent meditation.

Santikaro was ordained in Thailand as a Theravada monk in 1985, and subsequently trained at Suan Mokkh with Buddhadasa Bhikkhu, a leading Thai teacher, scholar, and reformer of Theravada Buddhism. He lived in Thailand as a Buddhist monk for 16 years and now lives in Norwalk, Wisconsin, at Liberation Park. Liberation Park is a vehicle for Dhamma study, practice, and work and is located in a peaceful, natural environment for dedicated practice. As the founder of Liberation Park, Santikaro has fostered the practice of living simply and sustainably in this modern American expression of Buddhist practice, study, and social responsibility within community.

He is a founding member of Think Sangha, a community of socially engaged Buddhist activists that has given special attention to the ethical and spiritual impact of consumerism and militarism. Santikaro led meditation retreats at Suan Mokkh for many years before returning to lay life. He continues to teach in the Buddhist tradition with an emphasis on the early Pali sources.

Schedule

Friday, September 11
7:30 – 9:00 p.m. Guided Meditation
A guided meditation will introduce the beginning steps of Mindfulness with Breathing. The talk that follows will survey the full range of the practice, which balances samatha (calm abiding) and vipassana (insight).

Saturday, September 12
9:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Day of Practice
A day of practice will go deeper into Mindfulness with Breathing with more guided meditation, sessions of sitting and walking meditation, and opportunities of Q&A.

Sunday, September 13
10:30 a.m. Sunday Service Dharma Talk
Dhammic Socialism – This theme was Ajahn Buddhadasa’s engaged response to the cold war violence in Southeast Asia in the 60s & 70s. Drawing upon Buddhist ethics and insights, especially concerning the cooperation inherent in nature and necessary for society, he advocated compassionate responsibility for the good of society. This socialism is neither materialist nor otherworldly spiritual. Perhaps Dhammic Socialism can give us guidance in addressing the polarization and ethical vacancy of modern American politics.

Suggested Fees
Non-residential Retreat: $135 in advance of $155 at the door, which includes all session and a light vegetarian lunch on Saturday. Retreatants may bring their own lunch, but are encouraged not to leave during the full-day intensive retreat.
Residential Retreat: $25 per night stay at the Rime Buddhist Center

These teachings are available to EVERYONE. We have “Suggested Fees,” however pay whatever you can afford at the door. Everyone is welcome! It is our hope that some will pay more to cover those who can’t afford the usual fee. We simply want everyone to come this weekend for these wonderful teachings.

Register by mail: Download the Registration Form here, print, and mail or bring it to the Rime Center.

Register online: Here