THE NATURAL WISDOM OF THE HEART:
A WOMEN'S RETREAT
This retreat is an invitation to women to come together in noble silence and deep compassion and care for ourselves as a foundation for our relationships with others.
During the life of the Buddha there were many women who fully awakened the heart. As relevant and applicable today as in the ancient past, the Buddha's teachings remain clear, simple, and applicable in every aspect of living an intentional life.
During this retreat we will focus on the teachings and practices associated with the unbinding power of mindfulness. As a result, a growing sense of presence will bring us closer to an intimate, more harmonious process with life. We will also cultivate the capacity to respond wisely, under all circumstances, through the practices of noble kindness, compassion, appreciative joy, and equanimity.
Metta, or noble kindness, understands the tenderness of existence. It softens the defenses of the heart through counteracting fear and ill-will. Karuna, or compassion, commiserates with the truth of suffering in a manner that supports sustained presence of mind without turning away in fear. Mudita, or appreciative joy, brightens and lifts the mind out of its preoccupation with insufficiency, allowing us to recognize the inherent blessings of our lives. Upekkha, or equanimity, brings discerning balance and ease to aspects of our lives that we cannot change.
The daily schedule will be held in noble silence and include morning instructions; sitting, walking, and working meditation; individual meetings with the teacher; and an evening dharma talk. Both new and experienced students are welcome.
DaeJa Napier teaches Insight Meditation (Vipassana) with a particular emphasis on the brahma-viharas. She has studied and practiced in various Buddhist traditions for over thirty years and has been teaching for twenty. Her root teacher was the late Zen Master Seung Sahn. In recent years, her own practice has been enriched through intensive retreats under the guidance of Sayadaw U Janaka, Sayadaw U Pandita, Pa Auk Sayadaw, and Joseph Goldstein. Dedicated to the balance of the ancient Buddhist teachings and their applications in daily life, DaeJa maintained a formal practice while raising five children.
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