September 7, 2008

Abhayagiri Sangha members invite you to join Ajahn Pasanno and other monastics and laypersons for a 7-day Metta retreat September 7th-14th. We will create a monastery environment during our time together, and we offer you this opportunity to explore Metta practice in a setting that differs somewhat from a typical meditation retreat. We will all live the monastery life, following the Eight Precepts, taking only what is offered, and incorporating Metta in every activity as part of our practice. This will include noble silence, morning and evening chanting, sitting and walking meditation, a work period, and daily Dhamma talks and teachings.

The retreat will be held from Sunday afternoon, September 7th, through mid-morning Sunday, September 14th, 2008, at the Padmasambhava Peace Institute in Cazadero, California. The closest airports are Oakland, San Francisco and Santa Rosa. Because of the length of this retreat and the adherence to the Eight Precepts, you must previously have sat at least one five-day meditation retreat. Retreatants are requested to attend the entire retreat, from the opening on Sunday evening to the closing ceremony on the final Sunday morning.

The Padmasambhava Peace Institute is approximately 1 ½ Hours northwest of Santa Rosa, among the beautiful redwoods of western Sonoma County. Accommodations are in dormitory-style rooms. We are unable to accommodate any special dietary or environmental needs. We will eat a light breakfast and, in keeping with this monastic tradition, the daily meal (vegetarian) is eaten before noon; there is no evening meal. Incense and candles are used at the morning and evening chanting periods. Space for this retreat is limited to 40 retreatants.

The retreat will be offered solely on dana (freewill donations); there is no set fee. Please note that as this retreat is being offered by individual Sangha members, donations to cover the cost of retreat will not be tax deductible. More information will be sent with registration materials. Due to the difficulties caused by late cancellations, a deposit policy has been instituted. A refundable registration deposit of $150 is required to register for this retreat. For those who attend the retreat or who cancel at least 30 days in advance, the deposit can be refunded upon request or it can be offered as a freewill donation to Abhayagiri Monastery, or to cover retreat expenses. The deposit cannot be refunded to those who cancel after August 7th. Out of respect for others, please register only when you can make a clear and wholehearted commitment to attend.

Registration opens on May 1st.

We are grateful to Ajahn Pasanno for consenting to teach this retreat and look forward to practicing Metta in this beautiful setting with him.

*Please note that as this retreat is being offered by individual sangha members, the donations to cover costs will be not be tax deductible. More information will be sent with registration materials.*

Download a booking registration form