Calm Abiding Meditation – 1 Day Urban Retreat in Knoxville

About the Event

Welcome all to an opportunity for a 1-day teaching and urban retreat on Calm-Abiding (Shamatha) meditation in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. Whether new to mediation or to deepen your current practice, come learn with us as we explore ways to establish mental focus and a develop a calmer mind, following the 9 Stages of Calm Abiding as a framework. The retreat will be led by Les Kertay (Lobsang Tharchin), from the Paramita Center Southeast in Chattanooga.

Meditation as Mind-Training

Although we like to think we are in charge of our thoughts, we often experience our minds as unruly, unfocused, and agitated. As a result we experience anxiety and unhappiness. But it is possible to train the mind in methods that help establish calm and enrich our experience of life. By following traditional methods for understanding and attaining a calm-abiding mind according to Tibetan Buddhist philosophy, we will explore the meaning of meditation and its value as a practice for attaining first a happier life, and ultimately enlightenment for the benefit of all beings. Participants can expect to experience what is unique to this form of meditation, and to learn the practices that will help you establish and maintain a meditation habit.

Our calm-abiding meditation teachings are meant for both beginners and more advanced meditators who may wish to explore a different technique. In this retreat we give all the fundamental elements necessary to attain calm-abiding according to the Buddha’s teachings: the preparations, the posture, the necessary conditions, the hindrances to attaining calm abiding, and the antidotes to those hindrances.

Logistics

There will be four sessions of teaching and practice over the course of the day, between 10:00 AM and 4:30 PM. Each session is approximately 1 hour 15 minutes, including time for teachings, practice, and questions. The day includes breaks and time for lunch. We will supply coffee, tea, and snacks for breaks. If you wish, please bring a dish to share for lunch, though this is not required.

Cushions will be provided for those who wish to sit on the floor for meditation, and chairs will also be available. You are also welcome to bring your own cushions and mats if you have them. The contribution for the event is $50, with partial and full scholarships available for anyone who requires it. Because spots are limited, we will not be able to provide refunds if cancelling less than 7 days before the retreat.