Noble Silence: A Silent Retreat Weekend of Meditation, Reflection, and Rest
With Gary Wheaton
March 18 - 20, 2022
A DHARMAKAYA CENTER RETREAT
Imagine the peace that comes with a weekend of silence. No insistent beeps and buzzes demanding immediate attention. No distracting debates about the state of the world. No pressure to be witty or wise. Only the opportunity to be present with yourself, and the opening to mindfully observe and release the thoughts and emotions that arise. Silence serves as a way to find yourself—difficult and rewarding work.
“Such a special opportunity to practice in a sacred space.”
STAY SAFE DURING COVID-19: Please read our COVID-19 Precautions & Preparations to understand our strategies.
BRING A FRIEND DISCOUNT: Do you know someone who would like this program, but hasn’t been to the Center? Bring them, and you both get a 10% discount on your entire program package. For the discount to apply, there must be two reservations, at least one of whom has not taken a Dharmakaya Center class previously. At checkout, apply the Discount Code: BringAFriend.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
How often do you truly take time for yourself? No devices. No conversations. No scattered inputs demanding your attention. How often do you create space for your mind to calm, space to harness the power of meditation, protected from the distractions and stressors of daily life? Seize this weekend and let go.
After dinner Friday night, you will be asked to relinquish your cell phone*, and the silence begins. Between group meditation sessions—both sitting and walking—you can take contemplative walks around the property, meditate on your own, or use a journal to explore your inner landscape. There will be an opportunity each day for group or one-on-one conversations with the teacher to discuss goals and uncover roadblocks.
Group silence creates an atmosphere of deep tranquility, and with it the ability to rest in the present moment. Together, you collectively deepen your meditation practices, and enjoy a rare chance for self-inquiry, insight, and the possibility of inner transformation.
*Please give loved ones the Dharmakaya Center main number as an emergency contact.
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
- Intimate setting with personal access to the teacher
- Interactive sessions with question and answer periods
- Personal and guided meditation sessions
- Delicious all-vegetarian meals with locally sourced ingredients
- Option to extend stay on Personal Retreat
- Extensive library of dharma books
- Expansive wooded grounds with beautiful flora and fauna
OPEN TO ALL
There are no prerequisites for this program; it is appropriate for meditators at all levels and those simply interested in learning more about themselves.
SCHEDULE
(subject to change)
Friday, March 18
3:00 PM | Check in begins |
6:00-7:00 PM | Dinner |
7:15-8:15 PM | Welcome and Introduction |
Discussion on Retreat Mind | |
Opening Ceremony |
Saturday, March 19
7:00-8:00 AM | Morning Salutations and Meditation, optional |
8:00-8:45 AM | Breakfast |
9:00-10:30 AM | Introduction to Calm-Abiding Meditation and its Application |
11:00-11:45 AM | Meditation |
12:00-1:00 PM | Lunch |
1:30-2:30 PM | Introduction to Walking Meditation and its Application |
2:30-4:30 PM | Personal Practice, Reflection, and Rest |
4:30-5:15 PM | Meditation |
6:00-7:00 PM | Dinner |
7:15-8:00 PM | Evening Meditation, optional |
Sunday, March 20
7:00-8:00 AM | Morning Salutations and Meditation, optional |
8:00-8:45 AM | Breakfast |
9:00-10:30 AM | Discussion on “Right Speech” |
Meditation | |
11:00 AM-12:00 PM | Walking Meditation |
Closing Ceremony | |
Group Discussion on Experience | |
12:00-1:00 PM | Lunch |
1:00 PM | Checkout and Departure |
Teacher
Gary Wheaton has been a Buddhist practitioner and student of Trungram Gyalwa Rinpoche since 2008. He has served as retreat cook, retreat organizer, retreat leader, and teacher’s assistant. Professionally he is a human resources director, with expertise in conflict resolution and coaching. STUDENT COMMENTS “Sharing his personal experiences, Gary made a regular meditation practice seem realistic and attainable.” “Gary knows his stuff—and is also gentle, kind, and open to questions. We even laughed.” “Gary was wonderful and provided me with many skills for finding inner peace. I am so happy to have arrived at this comforting and supportive place.” “Gary…
Learn more about Gary Wheaton