Establishing the Foundation - Stages of the Path Retreat
A special Refuge Vow Ceremony will be held at the end of this retreat.
Everyone is welcome to attend the ceremony, even if you are unable to attend the retreat.
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By taking time-out from our busy, everyday activities, this quiet country retreat will help create a space in our minds and hearts which will enable deeper personal reflection as to the direction and purpose of our spiritual lives on the Buddhist path.
In the meditation sessions we will take the opportunity to establish a firm spiritual foundation that will sustain us for the rest of our journey in this life, and beyond. The spiritual journey is long, so we need to be confident we are protected and creating the future with the best conditions for swift and joyful progress. We need to create authentic spiritual refuge for ourselves. |
These meditations are traditionally know as "The Stages of the Path of Initial Scope" as designed by the founder of Kadampa Buddhism, the great Indian Master, Atisha, from Buddha's original Teachings. These have been re-presented for our times by the great author, meditation master, and Spiritual Director of the New Kadampa Tradition, Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, in The New Meditation Handbook. (It is strongly recommended that you have this book as a reference for this retreat.)
Gen Mondrub, American Kadampa Buddhist Monk and Resident Teacher from Rameshori Buddhist Center, Atlanta, will guide the meditations during this retreat, assisted by his student and Teacher of the Northern Alabama groups, Caroline Lopez.
Meditations will include Relying Upon a Spiritual Guide, Precious Human Life, Contemplating Mortality and Impermanence, Avoiding Spiritual Dangers, Finding Perfect Refuge, and Understanding Karma. The whole retreat will conclude with a traditional Refuge Ceremony offered by Gen Mondrub for anyone wishing to receive the powerful blessings of what are known as the Three Jewels of complete Buddhist Refuge.
"Since future lives last for a very long time, gather up riches to provide for the future." - Venerable Atisha, 9th century Indian founder of the Kadampa school of Buddhism
Retreat Schedule
Friday, May 30: Introduction to the Retreat (Free) at 7:30pm
Saturday, May 31: Teaching and Meditation Sessions at 8am, 11am, 4:30pm, and 7:30pm
Sunday, June 1: Teaching and Meditation Sessions at 8am; Refuge Vow Ceremony at 11am
Retreat Accommodations
Retreat accommodations will be at the Lodge at Joe Wheeler State Park. Retreatants can reserve a private room, or share a room with two double beds. Lodge rooms are similar to a normal hotel room, with double beds, private bathroom, etc. Linens are provided.
Frequently Asked Retreat Questions:
What Should I Bring?
Retreatants frequently ask what items they should bring with them to a retreat. Here is what we suggest:
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Dress casually and comfortably
- Bring a meditation cushion if you have one, but if you don't have one, meditating in a chair is just fine
- If you don't have a meditation cushion, you may want to bring a pillow to support your back
- Sometimes the meditation room can be chilly, so bring a light jacket or sweatshirt to stay comfortable
- Likewise, we don't wear shoes in the meditation room, so some people bring warm socks during winter and early spring retreats - keep in mind that weather in the mountains is generally a little cooler than weather in the city
- Please check the weather forecast before you pack; if the weather is to be nice, make sure you bring some shoes comfortable for walking or hiking so that you can enjoy the scenery
- Some people enjoy taking notes, so you may wish to bring a pen and notebook
- If you have the companion book already - in this case, The New Meditation Handbook - it is a good idea to bring it to read between sessions
- If you bring snacks or drinks, we advise against strong stimulants such as refined sugar or caffeine, and we request that you do not bring snacks or drinks into the meditation session
What Happens at a Retreat?
Each session will include teachings about the meditation topic, followed by a meditation. The length of sessions will vary depending upon the retreat and depending upon the inclinations of the students, but in general the entire session (including teaching and meditation) will last approximately 1.5 hours.
Between sessions, students are encouraged to relax and enjoy themselves. Frequently students will take a short hike or walk, socialize with other retreatants, or even take a brief nap between sessions. Some students enjoy taking time for themselves during a retreat, and will do a little extra meditation between sessions or read from the retreat's companion book(s) to deepen their understanding of the topic at hand.
What is the Food at a Retreat Like?
Food varies from retreat to retreat depending upon the venue hosting the retreat. At Unicoi State Park, for example, Rameshori provides the food, so it is generally fresh vegetarian food prepared and organized by one of our volunteers. At other state parks, including Red Top Mountain, the park provides the food, so there are both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available from their lunch and dinner buffets. Food provided by the state parks tends to be hearty fare including southern classics and tasty desserts. Please keep in mind that during most of our retreats, participants are on their own for breakfast. If you bring your own food or snacks, we advise low-sugar, low-caffeine items. And, please refrain from eating during the sessions.
What is the Lodging at a Retreat Like?
Lodging at the state parks is very similar to other hotel rooms you have stayed in. When you are in a state park cabin or cottage, there are generally two rooms with a shared bathroom, living room, and kitchenette. When you are in one of the Lodge rooms, there are generally two double beds, a bathroom, and regular hotel room amenities. There is therefore no need to bring sleeping bags, your own towels, bed linens, etc.
