Please join us for Rodney’s final retreat at Seattle Insight!
Two different expression of dharma, from culturally dissimilar countries, written centuries apart, fit perfectly together to provide a clear direction and methodology for awakened awareness. The Heart Sutra states that form is emptiness and emptiness is form, which provides the clarity of view and direction the practice takes for its completion, but it is not clear how to implement this view. The Four Foundations of Mindfulness offers a systematic approach for the realization of that truth, but on its own does not seem to be provide a clear vision of its destination. Merging the two seems to handle the limitation of each one. The Heart Sutra tells us where we are headed, and the Four Foundations gives us a practice for the realization of that wisdom. This weekend course will detail how these two seemingly different maps of reality can complement one another in a unified path forward.
Since we are examining the communication between two timeless inspirational sutta/sutras that have been heavily steeped in commentary over the ages, I would ask that we approach this subject with an inquiring and open mind. How these sutta/sutras have been interpreted over the millennia is less important than the unguarded and fresh attitude through which exploration is possible.
The weekend will point toward the empty nature of all forms, including the sense-of self. This can cause a little disquieting if we have a personal history of trauma or unless we are grounded in wisdom. A natural curiosity and interest usually indicate a readiness to explore the subject, but all participants should be governed by their own sensibilities.
We will integrate the interconnectedness of these two suttas (sutras) by demonstrating that awakened emptiness is the intended realized result of both. The retreat will include dharma talks, guided meditations and inquiries, quiet sittings, Qigong with Ellen, and Q & A as time permits. Everyone is welcome. We do ask that participants come to all sessions.
Schedule – Saturday and Sunday
9:00 Dharma Talk, sit, and instructions
10:15 Walk / break
10:30 Sit quietly or Guided Meditation
11:15 Walk / break
11:30 Sit
12:00 Meal or break
1:00 Chi Qong
1:45 Dharma Talk
2:30 Walk / break
2:45 Sit quietly or Guided Meditation
3:30 Break
3:45 Questions
4:30 End for the day
Registration & Donation
Registration is required for this weekend event. This is an ONLINE ONLY event. Please register on this page below.
Affordability and access are at the heart of our values. The “suggested” donation for the weekend retreat is $90 for both days. A “supported” donation of $60 is also welcome if this better fits your budget. If you wish to support another student’s registration fees, you are invited to donate $120 as a “benefactor”. No one is turned away for lack of funds, so you are also welcome to offer what is right for your circumstances by choosing “$0 – Donate at event”, and then deciding what is comfortable for you.
Dana is a term for generosity, or freely offered giving. You can read more about it here. Your registration donation goes to support Seattle Insight as an organization. It does not support the teacher directly.
Dana can be offered to Rodney via this link: Rodney Smith – Paypal
Dana for Seattle Insight can be offered online via our Donate Page.
Thank you for your generosity and participation!
Questions
If you have questions about this event, please contact: registrar@seattleinsight.org.
