"In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities; in the expert's mind there are few."
From Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind by Suzuki Roshi
Spring 2024 Meditation Retreat
with
Michael Ciborski
April, 3 - 7
Register Today, Space is Limited
“Taking Refuge: Nourishing Peace & Happiness”
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.
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.
Come sit, laugh, heal and grow with us!
The best way to get involved is by attending one of our weekly activities.
The Wednesday Night Sangha (community gathering for practice) meets at the Boise Institute of Buddhist Studies (BIBS) at the corner of 15th and Fort.... 901 N. 15th St. Boise. We begin at 7:00pm and end about 8:15pm. We do 20 min sitting meditation and then walking meditation (inside) and then maybe a second sit and a short talk by that night's leader. The evening is a simple night of meditation practice.
The Sunday Practice and Book Discussion Group also meets at BIBS from 10:15 to 11:45 on Sunday mornings. We start with 5-10 minutes of meditation then everyone has an opportunity to check in with the group about how their mindfulness practice is going as well as sharing other ups and downs of their life. Next we discuss whatever mindfulness books the group has agreed to read together. In most cases we chose small sections of the books and read much or all of that weeks readings before discussion so you really don’t have to have read the book to engage with the group.
Our practice is rooted in the teachings of the Buddha: peace, compassion, and an understanding that we are all interconnected, as taught by our teacher, Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh. Thich Nhat Hanh has written over 100 books as a Buddhist scholar and you can learn more about him by looking at the “Our Lineage” option under the “About” tab of this website.
Attendees find sitting with us to be a positive experience as we meditate and support each other along the path of life. We welcome everyone. We would love to meet you! There is nothing to bring other than your wonderful self.
When we are awake, we are truly free!
The Earth Holder Community is happy
to announce an exciting new project
that might interest you!
We are launching the Earth Holder Regional Community Builders!
What? We propose to recruit, orient, network, and support a group of 20-25 experienced Plum Village practitioners from diverse backgrounds who serve as “spiritual organizers”.
Why? The Earth is hurting. It is calling on us to help heal the deep wound of separation.
For more information on this project, please click on
Sangha Activities, then Earth Holders Sangha
