2023 Fall Retreat

Taking Refuge in Dharma: Entering the Fullness of Each Moment

In the Zen tradition, the word Dharma is layered with levels of meaning. Dharma can refer to the teaching of the Buddha and of other awakening beings, including our teachers, and when we listen and take in these reflections, we can take refuge in the wisdom shared.

On another level, Dharma is available to us in every moment, in every circumstance, if only we turn towards it and allow the truth of what is to reveal itself to us. In meeting life in this way, listening, looking, feeling, opening to things as they are, we can intimately enter into the immediacy of experience available in each moment.

As humans we often struggle to turn towards life in this manner, many are the barriers and hesitations to be present, especially when our circumstances are difficult or painful. And yet, this is our commitment as Bodhisattvas, to enter the reality of each moment, pause, wait, maintain awareness, allow the truth of what is needed to emerge, and then respond with appropriate and compassionate action.

Meeting and responding to the Dharma is our practice and our vow.

This retreat is an invitation to gather together and find shelter in the presence of others as we embody this practice of meeting life in this way.

Retreat occurred 12-14 October, 2023

Handouts for the Retreat