with Fred Eppsteiner
Description
From the time of the Buddha, awakened teachers have pointed out that our thinking mind is merely a functional capacity of our original natural mind. Mistakenly identifying with this small and conceptually constructed mind, we never are able to experience the innate simplicity and spontaneous wisdom that is our true birthright. Instead, we live in a self-created reality that prevents us from experiencing clarity, ease, emotional balance, and deep contentment in our daily life.
In the meditative tradition of the Great Perfection (Dzog-chen), the path that leads to Awakening is clearly delineated. It involves establishing a strong foundation or ground for one ’s spiritual life; following a path that is clearly marked; and ultimately arriving at the place of one ’s deepest aspiration.
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. If you have any questions about whether this retreat would be suitable for you, please contact Fred directly (Teacher@floridamindfulness.org). 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).
The retreat will include four Practice Sessions daily that will include silent and guided meditation, Dharma talks and instructions, meetings with Fred, opportunities for Q&A, group sharing, work meditation, along with time for meals & rest, outdoor walking, and time for personal practice.
Registration Process
Retreat registration is a two-part process. First, please submit the general information requested on this application. Then, once you complete this application, your confirmation email will include a link to a Confidential Health Questionnaire (CHQ). Please note that the CHQ is required so that we can determine suitability for this retreat; your application to participate in this retreat will not be considered without it.
Also please note that this registration does not confirm acceptance into the retreat. Shortly after the registration deadline (May 3), Fred will review applications and make final decisions as to acceptance. Notifications will be made by May 6.
Retreat Logistics
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 1, followed by dinner at 5:45 and the opening session at 7:00. The retreat will end on Saturday, June 8 at 1:00 pm. Full payment will be due upon acceptance into the retreat.
The fee for in-person participation is $630 for overnighters and $490 for commuters, with a $50 deposit required to register. The balance of the fee will be due by May 10.
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 accepted registrants closer to the retreat start date.
The last day to register for this retreat is May 3.
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
