Profound Simplicity Meditation Retreat [In-Person]

Profound Simplicity
An in-person, 3-Day, Public Program
with Richard John

Relax your mind in simplicity, released from struggle and effort, like a garuda soaring through space. - Tagpo Tashi Namgyal

This three-day retreat, hosted by Seattle Shambhala, is open to all new and senior practitioners who wish to establish or deepen their meditation practice. The main focus will be meditation, in an atmosphere of mindfulness. 

Drawing on teachings by the Buddha and lineage masters, the retreat will include talks on the subtle attitudes that make one's meditation effective, the learning process that makes traditional teachings relevant and personal, and how the wisdom of meditation can transform one's approach to life.

For vajrayana practitioners, the ability to rest the mind in stillness is an essential basis for all other practices, including sadhana, guru yoga and mind nature.

Most of the retreat will be in silence, with times for questions and discussion. Morning coffee & tea and lunch will be provided on-site. Early registration is encouraged, and priority will be given to those who commit to the entire retreat

Please note:
For participants who wish to prepare in advance, Richard will give detailed instructions for practice in Profound Simplicity: Essentials for the Path, an online program on May 4-5 sponsored by Northern California Shambhala. 

Schedule
The program meets Saturday-Monday, May 25-27, from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. (Note that Monday is a holiday.) The 8:30-9am time is for gathering together and having coffee, and the official program will start 9am. Each day there will be a 90 min lunch break. Lunch will be provided by the Center.

Richard John
An early student of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, Richard served as acharya to Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche for 20 years. He has for many years taught Shambhala Buddhist programs in the US, Canada and Mexico. He completed the first three-year group retreat at Gampo Abbey, and now teaches full time. Richard and his wife Liz reside in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Heart Gifts
It is customary to offer a monetary Heart Gift to the teacher. Teachers receive no salary or benefits, and depend upon this income in order to teach for a living. This is completely voluntary according to your inspiration, and there is no suggested amount--any amount is appreciated!

Location: Seattle Shambhala Center, 3107 E Harrison St, Seattle

Generosity Policy: In order to make our programs accessible to everyone, we have a pay what you can afford policy. If the program price is an obstacle for you, please consider the value of the program and practice generosity at the level appropriate to your circumstances. For those who can offer more than the program price, we have a patron price. Your generosity in offering the patron price helps cover the costs for others who are not able to pay the full price.

Registration: When registering, you'll have the opportunity to pay online through PayPal. If you can pay online at the time of registration, please do so -- it greatly simplifies things for us. In the event a program fills up, we cannot hold your space in the program unless we've received your payment, or unless you've contacted us to make other arrangements. For further details, see our Program Policies and FAQs page.

Questions? Please contact Samuel Taylor at [email protected].