Retreat with Barbara Brodsky

Discription: The two foundations of this retreat are the practice of Insight Meditation (Vipassana) and the deepening awareness of Pure Mind. Insight Meditation is a simple and direct practice: being present in the moment and opening nonjudgementally and compassionately to the mind/body process through calm, focused mindfulness. The Insight practice is balanced with a deepening awareness of our true nature, not as something which we strive to manifest but as that which is eternal and present now. Emphasis is placed on nurturing the open heart and seeing each moment of our lives as practice for our growth toward wholeness and harmony. Clear instruction will be given for meditators with various levels of experience. The program will also include dharma talks, question periods and chanting from various spiritual traditions. Besides this talk, the retreat will be held in silence.

The Franciscan Center is a wonderfully quiet setting for deepening your meditation practice. With eight acres of beautiful river-front grounds, this facility offers each participant a private room with full bath (towels and linens are provided), a quiet meditation hall and ample indoor and outdoor space for walking meditation. The facility is fully staffed, which means there are no "yogi chores" such as dish washing, cleaning up to do... just a few days of deep silence to focus inward and deepen one's meditation practice. The center is wheelchair friendly. Here's a map that you may find helpful:

Barbara Brodsky has dual roots in the Buddhist and Quaker traditions and her teaching reflects this balance. She teaches vipassana meditation world-wide to people of all faiths. In Ann Arbor, Barbara is the founding and guiding teacher of Deep Spring Center, She has been deaf for 31 years; living with silence has greatly influenced her life and teaching, as have years of active involvement in nonviolent action for social change.

Barbara is alsoa channel for the spirit, Aaron. In many previous lifetimes, Aaron has been a Buddhist monk and scholar. In his final lifetime he was a Vipassana meditation master in Thailand. His teaching during a retreat draws from this background, but he also reminds us that, like all of us, he has lived in many bodies and followed many spiritual paths. Aaron is a being of great love, compassion, wisdom and gentle humor. Both teachers will provide guidance during the retreat. We realize the presence of a discarnate teacher may raise questions for some of you. Aaron's work is toward the alleviation of suffering. Those who have worked with him find him to be a very wise, compassionate and skillful teacher. You can sample Barbara and Aaron's teachings on the Deep Springs Website (go to "Library.")

Tuesday, August 26 is the registration deadline when the final payment is due. Refunds will be made in full when requested before August 26 after which only partial refunds, if any, can be made. Please register as early as possible. Directions and detailed information will be sent upon receipt of the registration form. It is our hope that financial considerations will not prevent anyone from attending this retreat. Some funds are available for partial (1/2 fee) scholarships, and a deferred payment plan can be arranged. However, the minimum deposit of $100 is reguired to hold your space. This retreat is limited to 25 participants.

For more information, please email Jordan at retreats@flowingdharma.org or phone 813-989-9910.

Please register by mail by printing out, completing and mailing the registration form below to Flowing Dharma, Inc. at the address below.