Cultivating Compassion

According to the Buddha's teachings, the most basic condition for happiness is freedom. Freedom here means freedom from anger, fear, and despair. During this weekend retreat, through the practice of conscious breathing, we will learn to go back to the present moment and touch deeply all wonders of life within and around us. As a result of this practice, we will be nourished and healed. Concrete instructions on how to transform the anger, craving, and confusion within us will also be offered so that we can learn to take good care of our suffering. Only then, happiness can truly be possible.

Retreat Schedule

From 6pm February 17 until 2pm February 19, 2006

Friday evening: Dinner, Orientation, Sitting meditation.

Saturday morning: Guided sitting meditation, Breakfast, Outdoor walking meditation, Talk.

Saturday afternoon: Lunch, Tea meditation, Total body relaxation / Mindful movements.

Saturday evening: Dinner, Group discussion, Sitting meditation / Touching the earth.

Sunday morning: Sitting meditation, Breakfast, Outdoor walking meditation, Talk / Questions and answers.

Sunday afternoon: Lunch, Closing circle.

Anh-Huong Nguyen and Thu Nguyen have practiced the art of mindful living with Thich Nhat Hanh for 27 years. They have led mindfulness retreats in the United States since 1988 and in 1992 were among the first students to be ordained as Dharma teachers by Thich Nhat Hanh. Anh-Huong has also worked with Thich Nhat Hanh translating many of his books into English, including The Sun My Heart and The Diamond that Cuts through Illusion. They are principal teachers at the Mindfulness Practice Center of Fairfax (www.mpcf.org).

Claymont Court (www.claymont.org) is located on 369 acres of forest and farmland in the Shenandoah Valley of West Virginia, less than 90 minutes by car from Washington, D.C., or Baltimore.

The cost of the retreat, including meals (Friday dinner through Sunday lunch) and overnight accommodations is $220 per person. Room accommodation is of dormitory style with three or more beds per room. A limited number of rooms with double beds are reserved for couples. We ask that all participants be at least 13 years of age. A fifty percent deposit is required to reserve a place. (All but $25 of the deposit will be refunded if notification of cancellation is received prior to February 10, 2006.) The balance is due upon arrival at the retreat. A confirmation letter with a map and other necessary information will be mailed or e-mailed to each participant.

To register, please complete the coupon below and send with your deposit to Thu Nguyen, 10413 Adel Road, Oakton, VA 22124. For more information, e-mail the retreat registrar at info@mpcf.org or call 703-938-1377.