with Fred Eppsteiner

Description

From the time of the Buddha, enlightened teachers consistently have pointed out that our thinking mind is merely a functional capacity of our true, original, natural mind. Mistakenly identifying with and attaching to this conceptually constructed mind, we never experience the innate simplicity and spontaneous wisdom of our true mind. Instead, we live in an ever-changing thought created reality that often produces chronic unease, unbalanced emotionality, and dissatisfaction.

Yet, if we learn to unfetter our natural mind from its historical conditioning and emotional reactivity, it has the capacity to guide and support us in living a life of emotional ease, inner contentment and total openness, i.e., an awakened life. The teachings and practices of the Chan/Zen and Great Perfection traditions show us how this can be readily accomplished.

This retreat will focus on facilitating participants’ meditative experience of their original and natural mind and show how to integrate this understanding into the circumstances of daily life. Directly experiencing the mind as it is and all the things that appear in it (especially the self!) as empty of any substance or solidity allows one to break through into the totally open and spacious mind nature. This is the basis of true transformation.

This retreat is a Wisdom Path Retreat and is appropriate for those FCM members who have previously participated in a Wisdom Path Intensive or retreat, or for those who are walking the Dharma Path and feel ready for a deeper exploration of their mind through meditation and guided reflection. Due to the nature of the teachings, the interaction with the teacher, and the importance of a deep, silent container for practice, this retreat will be residential only (overnighters and commuters).

Logistics

This retreat is being offered in-person only to be of most benefit to participants.

FCM's retreat center in Tampa, Florida provides a beautiful and serene refuge from the noise and business of our everyday lives. Set among our bamboo gardens, walking paths and pond, our center offers comfortable double-occupancy accommodations in our Great Cloud residence hall, nourishing vegan meals and ample indoor and outdoor meditation spaces for personal reflection.

The retreat will begin with orientation at 5:00 pm on Saturday evening, June 3, followed by dinner at 5:45 and the opening session at 7:00. The retreat will end on Saturday, June 10 at 1:00 pm. Full payment will be due upon acceptance into the retreat.

The fee for in-person participation is $560 for overnighters and $420 for commuters, with a $50 deposit required to register. The balance of the fee will be due by May 12.

FCM aspires to support the retreat experience for all who are on this path, and thus retreat scholarships are available and encouraged if it would support your participation. Please click here to see FCM ’s Retreat Scholarship Policy and for an application, which needs to be submitted prior to the registration deadline for this retreat. The teachings are offered in the Buddhist tradition of Dana, wherein the teachers freely give of themselves to the students out of gratitude for what they’ve received from their teachers and a desire to be of service. The student’s response is also based on Dana, i.e., generosity that naturally flows from a sense of appreciation of the value of Dharma and gratitude to the living lineage.

The Retreat Coordinator will be sending additional information to registrants closer to the retreat start date.

The last day to register for this retreat is May 6.

Retreat Leader

Fred Eppsteiner has been a student of the psychology of Buddhist meditation for over 40 years, and was a psychotherapist for more than 30 years. He has trained extensively in the Buddhist meditative traditions the U.S. and Asia. He received permission to teach from Thich Nhat Hanh in 1994 and is the editor of two books: The Path of Compassion and Interbeing.

Questions?
For more information, please contact Angie at parrish26@gmail.com

Cancelled this month due to retreat.

Please note: FCM Members can access the Death Cafe web page and the Zoom links by clicking here.

Cancelled this week due to retreat.

This weekly extended evening meditation is open to all. The evening will consist of two 35-minute sitting meditation periods, with formal walking meditation in-between. These extended meditation periods offer students the opportunity to deepen their practices of mindfulness, concentration and insight. 

While meditation is occurring Fred offers private interviews in the Center's downstairs Interview Room to FCM members (those who have become Fred’s students) - please visit Membership for more information. Interviews are conducted in the Zen “dokusan" tradition – going alone to visit the teacher. No advance sign-up occurs for interviews; instead, students line up at the back of the meditation hall and the personal interviews unfold, one following the other, as time permits. The length of each interview may range from 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the situation. Dokusan pertains to issues that arise in the student's personal meditation practice and their life experiences of integrating the teachings into their daily life, not with intellectual or theoretical matters. 

We encourage everyone in the Tampa Bay vicinity to experience the richness of practicing together, in-person in our Meditation Hall. There is no need to register ahead of time. Please familiarize yourself with our Covid-19 Safety Protocols and plan to arrive by 7:15 pm.

Sunday Morning Meditation and Dharma Talk is offered each Sunday at the Tampa Practice Center, in-person and online via Zoom for all.

We encourage our members, especially those in the Tampa Bay Area, to experience the richness of practicing together, in-person in our Meditation Hall. There is no need to register ahead of time. Please familiarize yourself with our Covid-19 Safety Protocols and plan to arrive by 9:45 am.

 

The Online Zoom option is available for both members and nonmembers. Click here for Zoom links.

We invite everyone, especially newcomers to stay for tea following Sunday Meditation and Dharma Talk on Zoom or in-person.

Naples Sangha meets in person every Sunday 6:00-8:00 at The Yoga House (6200 Trail Blvd). 

We encourage participants to experience the richness of practicing together, in person, following our Covid-19 Safety Protocols. These gatherings provide participants the opportunity for sitting and walking meditation, Dharma sharing, and establishing and re-establishing Sangha friendships.

For more information, contact Brandy at brandymkidd@me.com

Please join us!

This weekly meditation group will be held Tuesdays on Zoom and is open to everyone in recovery: AA, NA, Alanon, and other programs. It is also for those trying to spend less time on the internet, Facebook, TV, shopping, etc. Please join us to learn more about the 11th Step (Prayer and Meditation) and how to make it part of your daily life. Meditation is easy to learn and will help you cultivate a rich and rewarding spiritual practice, one that will support you in realizing the promises.

People who practice meditation report reduced stress, greater peace, more clarity and happiness in their lives. They sleep better and have an increased ability to concentrate. These are some of the benefits of adding meditation to your recovery program.

Everybody is welcome, whether you are just starting out or have been meditating for a while. The evenings will be led by teachers with a foundation in both meditation and recovery.

ZOOM: Please join us online five minutes before the start at 6:30 pm.

Video Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86074740220?pwd=Y21yVkhBTjN1Y0RwL042emZjZ0xOUT09

or

Dial-In #: 1-646-558-8656

Meeting ID #: 860 7474 0220

If you have any questions please contact Eleanor at ececil1@verizon.net 

Challenges we encounter along our meditative path of healing and transformation can be seen as either discouraging obstacles or opportunities for personal growth and deeper spiritual understanding. Join senior practitioners of the Florida Community of Mindfulness on Tuesday evenings for a discussion on a variety of common challenges and how we can meet these challenges with intelligence, creativity, and even humor.

We encourage everyone who is in the Tampa Bay vicinity to experience the richness of practicing together, in-person in our Meditation Hall. There is no need to register ahead of time. Please familiarize yourself with our Covid-19 Safety Protocols and plan to arrive by 7:15 pm.

 

If joining us online, the link to Zoom information is as follows:

Video Link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3296243465?pwd=bUo1aFVQblhhbUFpZmZTci9EK0daZz09

Dial-In # 1-646-558-8656

Meeting ID# 329 624 3465

This weekly extended evening meditation is open to all. The evening will consist of two 35-minute sitting meditation periods, with formal walking meditation in-between. These extended meditation periods offer students the opportunity to deepen their practices of mindfulness, concentration and insight. 

While meditation is occurring Fred offers private interviews in the Center's downstairs Interview Room to FCM members (those who have become Fred’s students) - please visit Membership for more information. Interviews are conducted in the Zen “dokusan" tradition – going alone to visit the teacher. No advance sign-up occurs for interviews; instead, students line up at the back of the meditation hall and the personal interviews unfold, one following the other, as time permits. The length of each interview may range from 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the situation. Dokusan pertains to issues that arise in the student's personal meditation practice and their life experiences of integrating the teachings into their daily life, not with intellectual or theoretical matters. 

We encourage everyone in the Tampa Bay vicinity to experience the richness of practicing together, in-person in our Meditation Hall. There is no need to register ahead of time. Please familiarize yourself with our Covid-19 Safety Protocols and plan to arrive by 7:15 pm.

FCM's Days of Mindfulness are offered both In-Person at the Tampa Practice Center and Online. Whether you are a new or experienced meditator, our Days of Mindfulness are an opportunity to support and deepen the practice of mindfulness and meditation, and nourish the seeds of well being, inner peace and openness in our lives.

 

The day will be a chance for all of us to put down the busyness of our lives and to relax, refresh, and renew with the healing energy of mindfulness. The day is an opportunity to experiment with letting go of our stories and dramas about our lives and the world. Instead we will practice simply be present to, and nourished by, our actual experience in the present moment. 

We encourage everyone in the Tampa Bay vicinity to experience the richness of practicing together, in-person in our Meditation Hall. Please familiarize yourself with our Covid-19 Safety Protocols and plan to arrive by 8:30 am.

If joining us online, the link to Zoom information will be provided once you register. We provide guidance to help you make the experience at home as close as possible to an experience in the Meditation Hall.

When you register indicate your choice of participation In-Person or Online.  While there is no fee for participation, the traditional practice of Dana (generosity) is appreciated. Please register to receive important information about your In-Person or Online Zoom attendance.  

If you have any questions please contact Rita Cathey at ritaanna727@gmail.com

Sunday Morning Meditation and Dharma Talk is offered each Sunday at the Tampa Practice Center, in-person and online via Zoom for all.

We encourage our members, especially those in the Tampa Bay Area, to experience the richness of practicing together, in-person in our Meditation Hall. There is no need to register ahead of time. Please familiarize yourself with our Covid-19 Safety Protocols and plan to arrive by 9:45 am.

 

The Online Zoom option is available for both members and nonmembers. Click here for Zoom links.

We invite everyone, especially newcomers to stay for tea following Sunday Meditation and Dharma Talk on Zoom or in-person.

Naples Sangha meets in person every Sunday 6:00-8:00 at The Yoga House (6200 Trail Blvd). 

We encourage participants to experience the richness of practicing together, in person, following our Covid-19 Safety Protocols. These gatherings provide participants the opportunity for sitting and walking meditation, Dharma sharing, and establishing and re-establishing Sangha friendships.

For more information, contact Brandy at brandymkidd@me.com

Please join us!

This weekly meditation group will be held Tuesdays on Zoom and is open to everyone in recovery: AA, NA, Alanon, and other programs. It is also for those trying to spend less time on the internet, Facebook, TV, shopping, etc. Please join us to learn more about the 11th Step (Prayer and Meditation) and how to make it part of your daily life. Meditation is easy to learn and will help you cultivate a rich and rewarding spiritual practice, one that will support you in realizing the promises.

People who practice meditation report reduced stress, greater peace, more clarity and happiness in their lives. They sleep better and have an increased ability to concentrate. These are some of the benefits of adding meditation to your recovery program.

Everybody is welcome, whether you are just starting out or have been meditating for a while. The evenings will be led by teachers with a foundation in both meditation and recovery.

ZOOM: Please join us online five minutes before the start at 6:30 pm.

Video Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86074740220?pwd=Y21yVkhBTjN1Y0RwL042emZjZ0xOUT09

or

Dial-In #: 1-646-558-8656

Meeting ID #: 860 7474 0220

If you have any questions please contact Eleanor at ececil1@verizon.net 

Challenges we encounter along our meditative path of healing and transformation can be seen as either discouraging obstacles or opportunities for personal growth and deeper spiritual understanding. Join senior practitioners of the Florida Community of Mindfulness on Tuesday evenings for a discussion on a variety of common challenges and how we can meet these challenges with intelligence, creativity, and even humor.

We encourage everyone who is in the Tampa Bay vicinity to experience the richness of practicing together, in-person in our Meditation Hall. There is no need to register ahead of time. Please familiarize yourself with our Covid-19 Safety Protocols and plan to arrive by 7:15 pm.

 

If joining us online, the link to Zoom information is as follows:

Video Link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3296243465?pwd=bUo1aFVQblhhbUFpZmZTci9EK0daZz09

Dial-In # 1-646-558-8656

Meeting ID# 329 624 3465

This weekly extended evening meditation is open to all. The evening will consist of two 35-minute sitting meditation periods, with formal walking meditation in-between. These extended meditation periods offer students the opportunity to deepen their practices of mindfulness, concentration and insight. 

While meditation is occurring Fred offers private interviews in the Center's downstairs Interview Room to FCM members (those who have become Fred’s students) - please visit Membership for more information. Interviews are conducted in the Zen “dokusan" tradition – going alone to visit the teacher. No advance sign-up occurs for interviews; instead, students line up at the back of the meditation hall and the personal interviews unfold, one following the other, as time permits. The length of each interview may range from 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the situation. Dokusan pertains to issues that arise in the student's personal meditation practice and their life experiences of integrating the teachings into their daily life, not with intellectual or theoretical matters. 

We encourage everyone in the Tampa Bay vicinity to experience the richness of practicing together, in-person in our Meditation Hall. There is no need to register ahead of time. Please familiarize yourself with our Covid-19 Safety Protocols and plan to arrive by 7:15 pm.

Sunday Morning Meditation and Dharma Talk is offered each Sunday at the Tampa Practice Center, in-person and online via Zoom for all.

We encourage our members, especially those in the Tampa Bay Area, to experience the richness of practicing together, in-person in our Meditation Hall. There is no need to register ahead of time. Please familiarize yourself with our Covid-19 Safety Protocols and plan to arrive by 9:45 am.

 

The Online Zoom option is available for both members and nonmembers. Click here for Zoom links.

We invite everyone, especially newcomers to stay for tea following Sunday Meditation and Dharma Talk on Zoom or in-person.

Naples Sangha meets in person every Sunday 6:00-8:00 at The Yoga House (6200 Trail Blvd). 

We encourage participants to experience the richness of practicing together, in person, following our Covid-19 Safety Protocols. These gatherings provide participants the opportunity for sitting and walking meditation, Dharma sharing, and establishing and re-establishing Sangha friendships.

For more information, contact Brandy at brandymkidd@me.com

Please join us!

This weekly meditation group will be held Tuesdays on Zoom and is open to everyone in recovery: AA, NA, Alanon, and other programs. It is also for those trying to spend less time on the internet, Facebook, TV, shopping, etc. Please join us to learn more about the 11th Step (Prayer and Meditation) and how to make it part of your daily life. Meditation is easy to learn and will help you cultivate a rich and rewarding spiritual practice, one that will support you in realizing the promises.

People who practice meditation report reduced stress, greater peace, more clarity and happiness in their lives. They sleep better and have an increased ability to concentrate. These are some of the benefits of adding meditation to your recovery program.

Everybody is welcome, whether you are just starting out or have been meditating for a while. The evenings will be led by teachers with a foundation in both meditation and recovery.

ZOOM: Please join us online five minutes before the start at 6:30 pm.

Video Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86074740220?pwd=Y21yVkhBTjN1Y0RwL042emZjZ0xOUT09

or

Dial-In #: 1-646-558-8656

Meeting ID #: 860 7474 0220

If you have any questions please contact Eleanor at ececil1@verizon.net 

Challenges we encounter along our meditative path of healing and transformation can be seen as either discouraging obstacles or opportunities for personal growth and deeper spiritual understanding. Join senior practitioners of the Florida Community of Mindfulness on Tuesday evenings for a discussion on a variety of common challenges and how we can meet these challenges with intelligence, creativity, and even humor.

We encourage everyone who is in the Tampa Bay vicinity to experience the richness of practicing together, in-person in our Meditation Hall. There is no need to register ahead of time. Please familiarize yourself with our Covid-19 Safety Protocols and plan to arrive by 7:15 pm.

 

If joining us online, the link to Zoom information is as follows:

Video Link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3296243465?pwd=bUo1aFVQblhhbUFpZmZTci9EK0daZz09

Dial-In # 1-646-558-8656

Meeting ID# 329 624 3465

This weekly extended evening meditation is open to all. The evening will consist of two 35-minute sitting meditation periods, with formal walking meditation in-between. These extended meditation periods offer students the opportunity to deepen their practices of mindfulness, concentration and insight. 

While meditation is occurring Fred offers private interviews in the Center's downstairs Interview Room to FCM members (those who have become Fred’s students) - please visit Membership for more information. Interviews are conducted in the Zen “dokusan" tradition – going alone to visit the teacher. No advance sign-up occurs for interviews; instead, students line up at the back of the meditation hall and the personal interviews unfold, one following the other, as time permits. The length of each interview may range from 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the situation. Dokusan pertains to issues that arise in the student's personal meditation practice and their life experiences of integrating the teachings into their daily life, not with intellectual or theoretical matters. 

We encourage everyone in the Tampa Bay vicinity to experience the richness of practicing together, in-person in our Meditation Hall. There is no need to register ahead of time. Please familiarize yourself with our Covid-19 Safety Protocols and plan to arrive by 7:15 pm.

Sunday Morning Meditation and Dharma Talk is offered each Sunday at the Tampa Practice Center, in-person and online via Zoom for all.

We encourage our members, especially those in the Tampa Bay Area, to experience the richness of practicing together, in-person in our Meditation Hall. There is no need to register ahead of time. Please familiarize yourself with our Covid-19 Safety Protocols and plan to arrive by 9:45 am.

 

The Online Zoom option is available for both members and nonmembers. Click here for Zoom links.

We invite everyone, especially newcomers to stay for tea following Sunday Meditation and Dharma Talk on Zoom or in-person.

Naples Sangha meets in person every Sunday 6:00-8:00 at The Yoga House (6200 Trail Blvd). 

We encourage participants to experience the richness of practicing together, in person, following our Covid-19 Safety Protocols. These gatherings provide participants the opportunity for sitting and walking meditation, Dharma sharing, and establishing and re-establishing Sangha friendships.

For more information, contact Brandy at brandymkidd@me.com

Please join us!

At FCM we celebrate the full moon each month with an evening devoted to meditations that help us develop and cultivate the mind of kindness, friendship and compassion towards all beings. During the guided meditation, we will practice embracing ourselves and others with thoughts of unconditional kindness, compassion, and support, and then to extend those feelings with well wishes for peace, happiness and an end to suffering for everyone in the world.

It has long been part of Buddhist tradition to honor and celebrate the arrival of the full moon. Legend has it that Shakyamuni Buddha was born under a full moon, arrived at his enlightenment under a full moon, and passed into paranirvana under a full moon. In Zen the full moon reminds us of our Buddha nature or our essential wholeness and completeness.

Our Full Moon Loving Kindness and Compassion evening will be from 7:30 – 8:45 pm. The evening will include guided loving kindness and compassion meditations, a short talk, and recitation of the Metta (Lovingkindness) Sutra and/or other music and altruistic readings. 

We encourage everyone in the Tampa Bay vicinity to experience the richness of practicing together, in-person in our Meditation Hall. There is no need to register ahead of time. Please familiarize yourself with our Covid-19 Safety Protocols and plan to arrive by 7:15 pm.

If joining us online, the link to Zoom is below. The event is suitable for both beginners and experienced meditators. There is no formal advance registration; simply join us online on the Sangha Line shortly before 7:30 pm. 

Zoom Links for FCM Sangha Line
Video Link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3296243465?pwd=bUo1aFVQblhhbUFpZmZTci9EK0daZz09

Dial-In # 1-646-558-8656
Meeting ID# 329 624 3465