The Dharma focus for the retreat will be the integration of meditation and heart centered practices.
Ground with a day of meditation. Eight meditations including, guided insight meditation, standing meditation, walking meditation, silent meditation, metta meditation, mindful eating, and a guided compassion/ forgiveness meditation.
Donations will be collected to rent Quietude for the day. This is a wonderdul opportunity to support Quietude in gratitude for all Richard and Elizabeth Garzarelli have done to support the Sangha.
In celebration of the first anniversary of The Social Sangha you are invited to a day of meditation and dharma offered by Michael Scardaville, Paul Linn and John Orr.
The Dharma focus will be the integration of meditation and heart centered practices. Our day will consist of instruction and practice in sitting, standing and walking meditation, brief dharma talks and guided heart centered meditations. Optional individual meetings with the teachers will also be offered.
Our time together will take place within the container of blissful noble silence.
Everyone is welcome to attend as instruction and talks will be for all levels of experience.
Registration is required to facilitate planning.
Space is limited. Registration is on a first come first serve basis.
How does it work? You'll have the chance to sign up for private meetings with one or more of the teachers during three of the afternoon meditation periods. Interviews offer an opportunity to deepen your understanding of the teachings, receive personalized guidance, and explore your inner world. Whether you seek clarification on meditation techniques, philosophical concepts, or simply wish to share your experiences and reflections, these interviews offer invaluable opportunities for growth, insight, and connection. Teacher interviews are optional.
Meditation Cushion or Bench: If you have a preferred meditation cushion or bench, bring it along to support your practice. Otherwise, cushions and chairs are provided.
Comfortable Clothing: Wear loose comfortable clothing suitable for meditation. Consider layers to adjust for temperature changes.
Water Bottle: You may wish to bring a refillable water bottle.
Sunscreen: If the weather permits, walking meditation will be held outside, so you may wish to bring sunscreen.
Lunch: Please bring your own lunch, which can be stored in the fridge if you choose. Lunch will be observed in noble silence, so it's recommended to bring something that doesn't require extra preparation.
Quietude Retreat Center, 1130 Montreat Rd, Black Mountain, NC.
Please park at the front of the Quietude Meeting Place (the old lodge). Parking behind the Meeting Place is used by guests in the cabins. If we should run out of parking in the front, kindly park at the Black Mountain Wellness Center (1141 Montreat Rd) which is just 50ft further north and on the left when you continue up Montreat Rd.
If possible, leave your phone in your car for the duration of the retreat. If it's necessary to have it with you, kindly place it on vibrate.
Access to community and wisdom should be available to everyone, so all Social Sangha events are funded by donation only. Donations are traditionally referred to as danā within a sangha. Danā is a pali world that translates to “generosity” or “giving freely". It is an opportunity for the community to come together with open hearts to support our teachers, and in this case, Quietude, which has been our very generous benefactor.
We will have 3 teachers on the day of the retreat. In considering how much to donate, one could remember that they have spent countless hours deepening their practice and learning to develop their skills as teachers. They have also freely given several hours of their time in the planning this retreat. And they will each be spending a day guiding us on the day of the retreat. The suggested donation for the teachers is $50. Additionally, it will cost approximately $27 per student to rent Quietude for the day, so the total recommended donation is $77. In considering you donation, kindly remember that some of our teachers depend on danā alone to support themselves, so any amount above $77 is greatly appreciated.
Any questions about the retreat can be emailed to cindy@thesocialsangha.com.
John received Theravada Buddhist ordination while living in Thailand and India as a monk for eight years. He has been teaching Vipassana Meditation and leading retreats, internationally, since 1980 and has also practiced in the Taoist, Tibetan Dzogchen, and Hindu Yoga traditions.
Paul Linn began dharma studies and meditation in 1977. He has taught throughout the US mainland and Hawaiian islands since 1987 and co-founded the Gainesville Vipassana Society with Steve Bean in 1997. Paul's extensive study and practice of psychotherapy combined with dharma teachings help inform the nature of Awakening as inherent in living itself. With respect to the spiritual traditions that meditation resides within, he aims to bring a freshness and wonder forth that reminds the heart to rest in itself and realize what is unlimited.
Michael Scardaville has been practicing Vipassana or Insight Meditation for almost 30 years and has taught meditation for more than 15 years in a maximum-security state prison and the Buncombe County jail. He also has taught in several Asheville sanghas, where he led day-long and residential retreats, and in a number of addiction recovery facilities. He had the privilege of serving for 10 years on the Board of Directors of the Southern Dharma Retreat Center near Hot Springs, NC. Michael believes that meditation can be a transformational practice that can enable us to recognize our true nature and live from our hearts.