Quiet Mind, Open Heart
With Ramananda John E. Welshons
August 21 - 23, 2026
Compassion Practices to Cultivate Serenity, Joy and Equanimity in a Challenging World
RETREAT BY INVITED PRESENTER
In a world marked by increasing turmoil and uncertainty, it can feel challenging to uncover and embrace true joy and inner peace. Join Ramanada John E. Welshons, renowned teacher, author, and practitioner, as he leads a weekend of meditation, teaching, and discussion amid the welcoming tranquility of the Center’s 90 acre-campus. You will leave feeling inspired, uplifted, and supported, with new tools for living beautifully—no matter what.
“John is wonderfully informative, humble, funny and wise—as always, I learned important lessons from him.”
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
One of the fundamental teachings of Buddhism is that Joy is our birthright. How do we learn to experience Joy when we live in a world filled with uncertainty, impermanence, and disappointment? How do we work with anxiety and fear? How do we heal from the losses we have experienced? How do we find the path to our own True Nature—and learn to live beautifully—in the sacred sanctuary of Love, Compassion, and Peace that rests in the core of our Being? Discover how during this transformative weekend. The weekend will include:
- Teachings, reflections, dialogue and dharma talks
- Discussion of practices, perspectives and techniques to help us carry meditation practice into daily life
- Guided group meditation
- Gentle yoga
Through meditation practice, dialogue, and dharma talks we will experience a weekend focused on deep rest and finding Inner Peace and Equanimity no matter what is going on in our bodies, our lives, or in the world around us.
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
- Intimate setting with personal access to the teacher
- Interactive sessions with questions and answers
- Guided meditations – including sitting, walking, and lying-down meditation
- Gentle yoga (optional)
- Delicious, healthy vegetarian food
- Beautiful accommodations
- Option to extend stay on Personal Retreat
- Extensive library of dharma books
- Expansive wooded grounds with beautiful walking trails
OPEN TO ALL
There are no prerequisites for this program; it is appropriate for all.
SCHEDULE
(subject to change)
Friday, August 21
| 3:00 PM | Check in begins |
| 6:00-7:00 PM | Dinner |
| 7:30-9:00 PM | Welcome and Introduction |
| 9:00-9:30 PM | Calming Meditation Techniques |
Saturday, August 22
| 7:00-8:00 AM | Morning Meditation |
| 8:00-9:00 AM | Breakfast |
| 9:30 AM-11:30 AM | Program |
| 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM | Meditation |
| 12:00-1:00 PM | Lunch |
| 1:00-2:30 PM | Personal time, woods walk, or personal meditation |
| 2:30-4:30 PM | Program |
| 5:00-6:00 PM | Meditation (optional) |
| 6:00-7:00 PM | Dinner |
| 7:30-9:30 PM | Evening Program |
Sunday, August 23
| 7:00-8:00 AM | Morning Meditation |
| 8:00-9:00 AM | Breakfast |
| 9:30 AM-11:30 AM | Program |
| 11:30 AM-12:00PM | Closing Q & A and Blessings |
| 12:00-1:00 PM | Lunch |
| 1:00 PM | Checkout and Departure |
Teacher
Ramananda John E. Welshons is a highly respected contemporary spiritual teacher – and one of our foremost authorities on using unwanted change and loss as inspiration for our spiritual journey. He has been practicing meditation and various forms of yoga for more than 55 years and has been lecturing and leading meditation workshops across North America since the 1970’s. He was a close associate of Ram Dass and Stephen Levine, and trained with Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross. He is the author of three critically-acclaimed books: One Soul, One Love, One Heart; Awakening From Grief; and When Prayers Aren’t Answered. www.johnwelshons.com
Learn more about Ramananda John E. Welshons
