Conditioning, Freedom, and Self-Compassion:
Investigating the Origins and Cessation of Suffering
The Buddha taught that when we resist life as it unfolds, suffering results. This includes both resisting the world as it is, as well as our own humanity. The practice of mindfulness creates a space in which we open to life as it is, and to ourselves as we are. We become more accepting of life and more compassionate towards ourselves and toward all beings. In this weekend retreat we will explore the habits of mind that create resistance and suffering, and the practice of opening with awareness and compassion to our lives as they unfold.
The retreat will consist of periods of sitting meditation and walking meditation, dharma talks, questions and answers, and opportunities to speak with the teachers about meditation practice. The retreat is suitable for both those beginning meditation practice and those who have a long term practice.
Friday, September 18, 7:30 p.m.
Free Public Talk
Location: EBS Main Meditation Hall
Vipassana Meditation Retreat
Saturday, Sept. 19, 8:30 a.m.,-5:30 p.m.
(Please bring a vegetarian sack lunch on Saturday.)
Sunday, Sept. 20, 8:30 a.m.- noon
Location: EBS Main Meditation Hall
Cost: Sliding scale based on ability to pay. Minimum amount is $70, suggested amount $120. Any amount over $70 is a tax deductible contribution to EBS. To request a scholarship, please contact EBSRetreat@gmail.com
Registration: Email your name and address to register for this event to EBSRetreat@gmail.com
Payment: Please mail your payment to EBS. Make your check out the Ecumenical Buddhist Society and indicate Vipassana Retreat.
Mail checks to:
Attn: Vipassana Retreat
Ecumenical Buddhist Society
PO Box 561
Little Rock, AR 72203
About the Instructors:
Terry Furstenau has been a member of the Show Me Dharma sangha since 2001 and the teachers council since 2004. He has served on the Board for 5 years. He has led Insight Dialogue and Dharma Contemplation groups for the sangha. He currently teaches the “Introduction to Meditation” classes for new and relatively new students. His teachings reflect retreat experience and study with Eastern and Western Vipassana teachers, Advaita Vedanta, Dzogchen, Insight Dialogue and the non-dual teachings of Adyashanti, Richard Miller and Matt Flickstein.
Joe McCormack has practiced insight meditation since 1995. He has been a member of the Show Me Dharma Teachers Council since 2002. Joe leads an insight meditation group in Jefferson City, and has taught insight meditation to prison inmates since 1998. His teachers include Ginny Morgan, Phil Jones, and Matthew Flickstein. In January 2008, he completed the Community Dharma Leader training program through Spirit Rock Meditation Center. In his dharma instruction, Joe draws from traditional Theravada Buddhist teachings, Zen and Dzogchen practice, Advaita teachings, and the Diamond Approach. He is also trained as a psychologist and practices psychotherapy in Jefferson City.
For more information: Email EBSRetreat@gmail.com