Relationships Are Complicated: The Buddhist Path to an Open Heart

A DHARMAKAYA CENTER RETREAT

Relationships—with family, work mates, romantic partners, or even casual acquaintances—can be our greatest source of joy…and also of frustration. They can also be a tremendous catalyst for personal and spiritual growth, providing valuable opportunities to practice the Buddhist “perfections” as we cultivate kindness, generosity, compassion, and wisdom.

“John is wonderful—full of warmth, wisdom, and patience. His teaching helped me a lot working through some personal difficulties.”

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. May not be combined with an Early Bird Discount.

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE: We are pleased to be able to offer partial scholarships for this program. Please apply here.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

It’s hard to listen without judgment, to tolerate ambiguity, to offer true forgiveness, especially when we feel wronged or misunderstood. Yet each skill can enhance your relationships—and each is possible when you have an underlying sense of your own wellbeing, a sense of resilience, and an understanding of “the way things are.” After all, part of listening is also listening inward, which we do by slowing down, and being “still.” It can also provide you the perspective and capacity to tap into your own strength, and to create the kind of relationships that you most desire.

Throughout this weekend we will explore the ways that key Buddhist teachings can help enhance our relationships, including:

• Letting go of “me” and “mine”
• Staying in the present, not dwelling in the past
• Understanding interdependence, and the 10,000 causes that create each moment
• Navigating conflict compassionately
• Cultivating forgiveness for those who have mistreated us—including ourselves
• Releasing anger and resentment
• Appreciating and feeling nurtured by all that is still good

The weekend will include guided meditations, walking meditation, teachings with Q&A, breakout sessions and group work, personal reflection and discussion. You will gain the skills and ability to develop and create meaningful relationships while learning how to navigate personal dynamics to achieve the kind of connections that matter most to you.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

• Intimate setting with personal access to the teacher
• Interactive sessions with question and answer periods
• Shamatha and guided meditations
• Delicious all-vegetarian meals with locally sourced ingredients
• Option to extend stay on Personal Retreat
• Extensive library of dharma books
• Expansive wooded grounds with walking trails

OPEN TO ALL

This retreat is appropriate for both those new to Buddhism and those far along the path. Everyone is welcome.

SCHEDULE

(subject to change)

Friday, June 7

Saturday, June 8

Sunday, June 9