In-Person only Weekend Meditation Retreat Presented by Berkeley Shambhala
“Although the Shambhala tradition is founded on the sanity and gentleness of the Buddhist tradition, at the same time, it has its own independent basis, which is directly cultivating who and what we are as human beings. With the great problems now facing human society, it seems increasingly important to find simple and non-sectarian ways to work with ourselves and to share our understanding with others.”
The Art of Being Human, the first Shambhala Training Weekend presents the view that human beings, at the core, are fundamentally awake. By training in meditation, we learn to remember our natural confidence and relax to the freshness of the present moment, no matter what that moment may bring. This intimate retreat provides instruction for sitting and walking meditation as a means to develop mindfulness in daily life.
We’ll discover that awakening is not about escaping from the world we live in but instead is about bringing our practice to every aspect of our lives: work, play, relationships, and more. It all begins with giving ourselves the opportunity to reconnect with our true human existence — the experience of our five senses, the feeling of emotions in our body, and yes, even the awareness of thoughts across our minds.
Through the practice of meditation, we begin to glimpse that goodness is the unconditional ground of our existence. Opening to ourselves with gentleness and appreciation, we begin to see our potential as genuine and compassionate human beings. The weekend retreats are opportunities to deepen one’s practice of meditation in a powerful environment that meets the needs of a workweek and family life.
All are welcome to participate. The Way of Shambhala is open to people of all religious backgrounds or no religious background. It is recommended for new and experienced meditators, as well as those looking to enrich their personal spiritual path and social action in the world.
Jesse Miller is a long-time student of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, and has also studied with Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche and Pema Chödrön. He has taught widely at centers on the West Coast, New Zealand, and Australia.
Susan Gluck When Susan heard the voice of Pema Chodron 20+ years ago, she knew immediately that this was her teacher. Later at a retreat, Pema said she comes from a tradition called Shambhala. Susan visited Berkeley Shambhala Center and knew right away, again, that she had found a home in which she could practice, work with her inspiration, confusion, doubt, and share her love for the dharma. She works as a graphic designer with her partner and dharma mate Lory, and loves to study jazz piano improvisation and composition.
Saturday & Sunday, Sept 14-15 • 8:30 am to 5:00 pm*
In-person only at the Berkeley Shambhala Center.
*The program begins at 9:00 am but people are welcome to come at 8:30 for light breakfast!
All are welcome; no prerequisites. For the protection of everyone, if at any point you are feeling at all unwell, please stay home
If you have questions, please contact the coordinator Karen Walls at kjenwalls [at] gmail [dot] com