Half-Day Meditation Retreat (Free program)

Mindfulness Practice

All levels of meditators welcomed!

This half-day meditation retreat is an opportunity to "just sit" and steep in mindfulness practice. The main practice will be sitting meditation known as shamatha or peaceful abiding. We will alternate periods of sitting with walking meditation and brief Dharma readings. This is an opportunity to deepen your meditation and be able to practice with a community of meditators. Deepening in mindfulness meditation is appropriate for beginners to experienced meditators.

Beginning meditation instruction available

If you are new to meditation or have questions you would like to ask a meditation instructor, we will provide meditation instruction apart from the main group. With meditation instruction we give detailed directions on both basic sitting meditation and a "zen-style" walking meditation technique. We will talk a little about the view and understanding of meditation as well as go over some "best practices". This will provide you a good foundation on which to base an ongoing, consistent meditation practice at home. You'll have the opportunity to ask any meditation questions you might have in this instruction period.
You are welcomed and encouraged to join the main group in the shrine room afterwards.

General Schedule

• 8:45: Arrive at Karmê Chöling and settle in
• 9:00 - 9:30 Beginning Meditation Instruction in an instruction room

OR

• 9:00 – 12:30 Community meditation practice in the shrine room. You don't need to stay for the entire period but can leave if you need to during the walking periods.
• These morning sessions will include:
• Opening chants
• Mindfulness meditation sitting practice
• Walking meditation
• Selected readings
• 12:30 – 1:00 pm Lunch (by donation of $15) This is a great time to socialize and get to know the group of people you've been practicing with!
• Afternoon practice - space is available if you would like to continue meditation practice on your own.

This program is offered free but we do need you to register.

Registration: https://www.karmecholing.org/program/half-day-meditation-retreat-may-2025