Dates: April 13 – 14, 2019; 10:00am – 5:00pm
Sliding Scale: $150 – 400. Code NM1M19.
9 CE credits available for $90, for psychologists and California licensed MFTs, LCSWs, LEPs, LPCCs, nurses, and chiropractors.

Description:
The practice of samatha leads to the state of samadhi, where the mind is stable, bright, undistracted, and spacious. A dedicated practice of samatha can culminate in profound stillness, known as jhana, where the mind becomes fully absorbed in the object of attention.

Trying to develop samadhi through Herculean effort with the force of a whip to stop distractions and pull the mind into one-pointedness can be self-defeating. A wiser approach, which we will explore together, is similar to training a beloved puppy: through gentle and affectionate instructions that are at the same time resolved and steady. A stable mind is more inclined to insight. Developing samadhi, to any extent available, serves as a doorway to freedom of our minds and hearts.

Teachings are appropriate for health care professionals as well as the general public. Health care professionals will be able to incorporate the tools and practices offered in this program in ways beneficial to clients or patients. Continuing Education (CE) credit available. See below for attendance requirements and more information.

Learning Objectives for participating health care professionals-
Based on the content of this program, you will be able to:

• Describe the goal of concentration practice and the potential pitfalls;
• Explain the relationship between concentration, mindfulness, and the arising of insight;
• State the supporting factors for concentration/stability of the mind;
• Explain a technique for developing concentration;
• Utilize mindfulness of breathing practices to develop present moment awareness, and to calm the mind in preparation for, and when working with clients or patients;
• Utilize body awareness practices to deepen listening presence with colleagues, clients, or patients.

Continuing Education content level: Introductory

Dates: Sunday, August 18, 3:00pm – Tuesday, August 27, 11:30am; 9 nights
Sliding Scale: $2300-$1100 PLUS a donation to the teacher(s) and retreat staff. Code 278R19.
Will open for registration on 4/17/2019.

Pre-requisite: Completion of at least two 7-night or three 5-night silent Insight meditation retreats.

Retreat Description:
Concentration (samadhi), the collection and unification of the mind, was emphasized by the Buddha as one of the aspects of the Eightfold Path. It can bring joy to your practice and lead to the skillful use of pleasure in the meditative process. Whatever your level of practice, you can improve your Insight Meditation (Vipassana) by strengthening your concentration skills. Your ability to concentrate will develop in response to the attention you give it.

This retreat offers a series of techniques for staying on the meditation object for extended periods of time. We will explore the factors of concentration that lead to the deep absorption states known as jhana. Teachers will also give instruction for utilizing concentration during insight practice.

Financial assistance is available for all Spirit Rock residential retreats. Our scholarship rate is $40/night and available for all those with financial hardship with special funds allocated to People of Color (POC), folks with serious medical conditions, and young adults (age 18-26). Scholarship funding is offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. Scholarships are budgeted per retreat and because they are in high demand, can run out quickly. We encourage you to register for a retreat as close as possible to the registration opening date (lotteries are an exception).