Spring 2024 Meditation Retreat
with
Michael Ciborski
April, 3 - 7
Register Today, Space is Limited
Beginners Mind Sangha is pleased to announce our Spring Mindfulness Retreat. This will be a 3-day, non-residential retreat in the tradition of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, taking place in Boise, Idaho. Please join us for this joyful and peace-filled gathering, to practice together in sitting and walking meditation, singing, deep relaxation, and nourishing Dharma talks.
The theme for this retreat is
“Taking Refuge: Nourishing Peace & Happiness”
Each moment of each day is an opportunity to realize the beauty and wonder of Life. It starts with such simple things, like breathing, walking, listening, looking, and learning. Breathe by breath, step by step, the stress settles, the heart opens, and through mindful awareness, nourishment and healing unfold their leaves and petals.
Most of us are feeling pulled by tension and fear in relation to politics, climate and terrible violence in the world. During this retreat we will meet the challenge with mindfulness and understanding. We will come together to reconnect with foundation practices and renew our deep aspirations to live and share our awakening and compassion. Through teachings and meditations on breathing, walking, deep listening and loving speech we will water the seeds of peace in our hearts. We will invite our ancestors, with both their suffering and their happiness, to join and support us, as we offer our awakening for the benefit of our families, our society and the Earth.
Join us for two special pre-retreat events with Michael Ciborski!
Michael will be joining us for our Wednesday Night Sangha (community gathering for practice) on Wednesday, April 3rd at the Boise Institute of Buddhist Studies (BIBS) corner of 15th and Fort.... 901 N. 15th St. Boise. This gathering starts promptly at 7:00 PM and ends around 8:15 PM. Experience guided meditation with Michael and engage in insightful dharma sharing. Please arrive 15 minutes early for this gathering to ensure everyone is settled in by 7:00 PM.
Then, on Thursday, April 4th, please join us for a warm sangha gathering and vegetarian potluck at Margaret Mulhern's home. The potluck will start at 6 PM. All are welcome to participate in these enriching gatherings before the retreat begins. Margaret’s Home is located at 507 N Brookdale Dr, Boise.
Retreat Location : Hidden Springs Clubhouse 5525 Hidden Springs Dr. Boise, ID 83714
Retreat Schedule: Friday, April 5th - 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Saturday, April 6th - 8:30am - 8:30pm
Sunday, April 7th - 8:30am - 2:30pm
Please arrive 30 min before the start times above to settle in. This retreat is freely offered, recognizing the priceless value of teachings. We practice dana (generosity) by making monetary offerings from the heart. A suggested donation of $150 is appreciated to support retreat expenses and sustain teachings for all. Please click the registration link below for more information.
We are overjoyed to welcome Dharmacharya Michael Ciborski to lead our retreat. Michael is a gifted and renowned Mindfulness Dharma teacher in the tradition of Venerable Thich Nhat Hanh. With seven years of ordination at the Plum Village Monastery in France, Michael brings profound wisdom and a nurturing presence to our gathering. As an accomplished musician and chant master, his teachings resonate deeply.
Co-founder of MorningSun, a mindfulness center in Southern New Hampshire, Michael offers workshops and retreats nationwide. Explore his nourishing Dharma talks at TrueMiddleWay.org. All dana from retreat will go to our teacher, Michael Ciborski.
We recommend making an effort to attend all three days of the retreat. This helps to create a stable environment that deepens the experience for yourself and for all those in attendance.
Retreat Information - Registration - Dana Donation
The retreat opens Friday, April 5. Arrive 30 minutes before start times in order to settle in before we start at 6:30pm on Friday, and 8:30 on Saturday and Sunday. We will enjoy sitting meditation, indoor/outdoor walking, dharma talks, dharma sharing, eating meditation, mindful movement, singing and community circle. Most activities will be in the silence.
Retreat registration is limited. Please register in advance and let us know if your plans change such that you cannot attend. Please help us avoid turning away registrants unnecessarily.
In the ancient Buddhist tradition of dana, this retreat is being offered with no set fee. Donations are requested. Your generosity helps cover retreat expenses and allows Beginners Mind Sangha and Michael Ciborski to continue offering these teachings to the community.
More deeply, giving is the Dharma in action. It supports you, the donor. What we give energy to grows in our life. It brings joy and peace and supports wisdom. Giving is the very foundation of the Path.
While a $150 donation is suggested, please participate at whatever level you are able.
All proceeds from the retreat will go to our teacher, Michael Ciborski, and his work supporting the Morning Sun Mindfulness Community (morningsuncommunity.org).
Breakfast to be eaten at home, we will provide snacks, coffee, tea.
Please bring a vegetarian lunch that does not need heating on Sat & Sun.
Please bring a vegetarian dinner for Saturday evening that does not need heating. Resources are limited.
Bring your own meditation pad, blanket, etc. Chairs are also available.
Wear appropriate clothing and shoes for outdoor walking.
In October 2018 we had a beautiful fall retreat with visiting teacher Terry Cortés-Vega. Click on the following link to find transcripts of the dharma talks she offered during the retreat.
Add a Retreat to your Dharma Practice
Spring Residential Retreat 2018
Every year Beginners Mind Sangha brings renowned Dharma teachers to lead retreats of about five days. These residential and nonresidential retreats offer an opportunity to learn about Buddhist practice with the company of other practitioners, and to explore through meditation and reflection how the Dharma works in our lives. Watch this site and our Beginners Mind Facebook page for information and registration on future retreats.
Retreat Guide
You can learn more about participating in a retreat by downloading the Guide to a Mindful Retreat immediately below. It’s helpful to review this guide in advance and to bring it with you to the retreat.