Retreats
Retreats offer a wonderful opportunity to put down our everyday responsibilities and duties, while joining like-minded people in cultivating mindfulness, concentration, and insight. During the course of a retreat, participants can deepen their mindfulness practice, learn new meditation techniques to facilitate healing and transformation, gain a better understanding of the Buddha's teachings and their own minds, and return home renewed and even transformed.
FCM retreats feature a Dharma talk by teacher Fred Eppsteiner once a day, with approximately another six hours spent in sitting and walking meditation. We have periods of mindful movements, deep sharing and deep listening, and solitary practice. Retreats are enjoyed in silence, except for the times when the group gets together for sharing and discussion.
Retreats typically last from two to seven days. FCM sponsors two three- to four-day retreats each year in Florida, one in the fall and one in spring. Fred also offers a seven-day retreat in June at the Southern Dharma Retreat Center in the mountains of North Carolina.
Meals at retreats are vegetarian. Retreat facilities generally offer single and double rooms. FCM members are given priority in registering for retreats.
