Genuine Freedom - A Four Day Residential Thaypassana Retreat

Join us for a four day residential Thaypassana retreat with Janice Cittasubha Sheppard and David Haskin at the beautiful Siena Retreat Center in Racine, WI, October 20-23, 2022.

We all want “the real deal,” but often we settle on things that fall short of that ideal. Real gems are always more beautiful than costume jewelry made from paste. The most artistic silk flower can never match the beauty of a living rose. The freedom that the Buddha points us toward is the genuine “real deal” that leads us to true awakening. In this retreat, through meditation, talks and Q & A, we will investigate for ourselves what this genuine freedom is, and what are pale approximations that do not lead to the end of suffering.

NOTE: Registering for this retreat is a participant’s honest affirmation that they have been fully vaccinated for Covid-19, (two vaccinations and as many boosters as your age qualifies you for), and that you have not tested positive for Covid within 5 days prior to the retreat. Masking indoors will be required except in your room and at meals. The teachers will be unmasked only while speaking. They will be spaced well away from participants in the meditation hall. Siena Retreat Center staff will take your temperature as you arrive. Retreatants will have a temperature check before entering the meditation hall each morning. A fever will necessitate a rapid antigen test and a positive result will necessitate the retreatant exit the retreat.

What to expect: Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes. If you use
a meditation cushion or bench, please bring it. Chairs will also be available
for meditation. Please note — throughout this retreat participants will be in
Noble Silence except during Q&A or interview groups.

Fees cover all meals Friday breakfast through Sunday lunch, lodging, private baths, towels and the meeting rooms. (Thursday dinner is on your own.) Coffee/tea are available throughout the weekend. All meals will be vegetarian. If you have dietary restrictions, please make those known on your registration form.

The retreat will begin on Thursday at 7 pm. Please arrive and check-in between 4-6 pm, Thursday, October 20, so you can settle into your room and be in the hall and ready when the retreat opens at 7 pm. Check-out follows the close of the retreat at 3PM on Sunday.

Location: Siena Retreat Center, 5637 Erie Street, Racine, Wisconsin 53402.
Parking is free and plentiful. Once you park your car, you can leave it for the weekend.

Registration: For more details about the teachers, registration prices and registration deadlines and reservations, please download the reservation form here.

Complete this form and return it with a check or money order by mail to our registrar as instructed. Single room occupancy, $360, Double room occupancy, $310, Commuter, $180.

Once your registration paperwork has been received and processed you will be added to the list of attendees. RSVP's on any of our meetup sites are closed and will be updated only after your spot has been secured.