August 31 – September 4 PDT
Exploring the Interface of Buddhism, Psychology and Neuroscience through the Embodied Practice of Mindfulness
The Buddha revolutionized a first-person study of the mind and body through the practices of mindfulness, concentration and insight. In this retreat we will look deeply into our experience of the present moment through the art of mindful living, including mindful breathing, walking, eating, speaking and listening, so that we can better understand our mind in an embodied way. We will train ourselves to stop the continuous stream of conceptual thinking by bringing attention to our breathing and body. Buddhist psychology teaches that our thinking gives rise to our emotions; when we shift our attention from our thoughts to our body, that thinking no longer feeds our emotions in the usual manner. In this way we train ourselves in appropriate attention, learning how to remove a necessary condition for thinking to manifest. This frees us and clears our mind.
Through this embodied practice of mindfulness, as scientists we look deeply to see that mind and body are one, and not separate as subject and object. We come to see that the object of our research is not separate from our own experience as subjective observers. Lived experience is non-dualistic—object and subject are one. This retreat explores the implications this insight can have on us as scientists and citizens, bringing greater depth to our work, and establishing harmonious relationships with each other and with the Earth.
Registration will open later this summer.
25 responses to “The Buddha the Scientist”
Can you elaborate on the topics presented? Last year I read Robert Wright’s “Why Buddhism is True” and found it helped deepen the intellectual framework for the Buddhist mindset, will this be on similar topics?
Hello Cary. The organizing team have been working diligently all month as they plan for this retreat. At this time, we don’t have any specific details to share but we will before registration opens. Thank you for understanding.
Thanks! Looking forward to it.
HI, do you have any information about when will the registration be open ?
Given her regular practice, I would anticipate this opening in July.
Hi Br. Joy, will there be a staff application, and if so, do you think it may also be available around the same time?
Yes, very likely to have a staff application. We try to get that out before general registration.
Can I get more information about registration for this retreat?
Will you be holding any silent retreats this year?
Unfortunately, we don’t have any additional information at this time but it should be forthcoming in the coming month or two. When visiting Deer Park you always have the option to practice in silence but we don’t have one setup for that specific purpose at this time. We hope you can join us sometime.
Hello Dear Brother Joy, Will talks from this retreat be online as well? Thank you 🙏🏼l
That won’t be determined until we are much closer to the retreat. The organizing team remains in planning stages and there is always a chance we may offer the retreat online. Stay tuned.
Dear Brother Joy, I’d like to second the request for attending online if I may. I practice with the Sangha in Australia, and while I’d love to attend in person, the retreat is scheduled in the middle of our University semester (I’m an environmental science academic) and I wouldn’t be able to physically travel to Deer Park in time (not to mention the carbon miles). I’ll keep an eye on this page as suggested for any developments. Thank you so much for your hard and loving work. With metta, Belinda (Sister Faithful)
Dear Friends,
What’s the current Covid policy? Do you need to be vaccinated or is a negative test prior to arrival acceptable?
Bowing in gratitude,
Becky
Our COVID policy for retreats, at this time, is vaccination+booster and wear a mask while indoors. Of course, that may change between now and August.
Do we have a estimate of the price for indoors?
Most likely, for adults, it will be $300-$400. But the prices haven’t been finalized yet.
Dear Friends,
Will there be a chance for participants to receive the 5 Mindfulness Trainings during this retreat? Thank you 🙂
Flowers for you all
Most likely.
Would love to have the option of attending online.
Greetings, is it too early to provide some idea as to cost?
Peace & Laughter,
Cherrone
Most likely, for adults, it will be $300-$400. But the prices haven’t been finalized yet.
I am very interested to attend this retreat
Please let me know when registration opens.
I would love to sign for the retreat. No idea anymore how to do that. It is so hard with the websites now.
Dear friend. Registration is not open yet. Should be in June or, at the latest, July. The link will be highlighted at the top of this page.