Teachers
Phillip Moffitt (selected teachings, see below), Dana DePalma, Ying Chen
Location
Online
Prerequisite
Completion of one 7- day/6-night, residential or online Insight meditation retreat that included practice meetings
Description
The Naturally Arising Practice Method is oriented specifically to lay practitioners who wish to practice Dharma deeply in daily life. At its core, Naturally Arising refers to the spontaneous and effortless unfolding of experiences, insights, and strong concentration when conditions are appropriately set without forcing or controlling the mind. Rather than achievement-oriented striving, this method aligns with the mind's innate capacity for clarity in a way that feels organic and uncontrived.
The Naturally Arising Practice Method starts meditation practice in a different manner. It begins with two preliminary, preparatory practice in which attention is systematically and repeatedly oriented inwardly. The first of these practices is “The Three Renunciations,” which establishes a discerning mind that is free of reactivity and self-judgment. The second practice, the “Arriving Sequence,” establishes a mind state that is available for practice and aligned with the Dhamma. When combined, the fruition of these practices is a Naturally Arising responsive mind.
Once established, we will turn toward exploring the Knowing Capacities, based on the Nine Bodies map of consciousness. The Knowing Capacities are often only partially recognized (or completely unrecognized) even among long-term practitioners. This retreat offers a method of practicing Insight Meditation in which consciousness, through its many Knowing Capacities, becomes the object of meditation. The practice utilizes the felt sense as a means for freeing the mind of over-conceptualization and supporting the arising of liberating insights.
The retreat includes two detailed guided meditations per day, teaching sessions, and cohort (small group) practice meetings.
Phillip will be joining us to offer several select teachings during the retreat — roughly two morning guided meditations and one evening Dharma talk. While he won’t be leading any cohort (small group) practice meetings, his presence and teachings will support the depth of the retreat. Dana and Ying will hold the container of the retreat, guiding the daily retreat flow, teaching sessions, and all cohort groups.
The retreat is not recommended for those experiencing intense emotional distress, crisis, or other strong mental challenges.
This retreat is not a training to teach; attending this retreat does not in any way authorize teaching the Naturally Arising Practice Method, including the specific preliminary practices and the Knowing Capacities practice.
Model of Mutual Support
This program is offered in the Buddhist tradition of dāna, which means freely giving. For this retreat, donations to Dharma Ground and teachers are offered separately. The first donation opportunity is at the time of registration and goes to Dharma Ground, the nonprofit organization hosting this retreat. The suggested donation range for the hosting organization is $275 - $850. The second donation opportunity is at the end of the retreat and goes to the teachers. You are welcome to offer any amount you wish below or above this range. Finances need not be a barrier to participation. Any offering is gratefully accepted and is tax-deductible.
Schedule
Times listed in Pacific Time (PT). Please be able to attend all sessions listed in bold.
Friday, April 24 - Opening Day
4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Welcome and Opening Session
Saturday, April 25 – Wednesday, April 29 – Daily Schedule
5:30 a.m. Silent Meditation (Main Hall - Optional)
6:30 a.m. Personal Practice (Optional)
8:00 a.m. First Guided Meditation (Main Hall)
9:10 a.m. Walking/Movement Practice
9:45 a.m. Silent Meditation (Main Hall)
10:30 a.m. Walking/Movement Practice
11:00 a.m. Second Guided Meditation (Main Hall)
12:00 p.m. Meal Break (Main Hall Closed for 1 minute for recording processing)
12:30 p.m. Cohort Practice Meetings (for some groups) OR Walking/Movement Practice
2:00 p.m. Cohort Practice Meetings (for some groups) OR Walking/Movement Practice
3:00 p.m. Silent Meditation (Main Hall) + Affinity Groups - Alternating
3:45 p.m. Walking/Movement Practice
4:15 p.m. Silent Meditation (Main Hall)
4:50 p.m. Stretch break
5:00 p.m. Evening Teaching Session (Main Hall)
6:15 p.m. Continued personal practice (Optional) (Main Hall Closed for 1 minute for recording processing)
7:00 p.m. Candlelight Silent Meditation (Optional)
Thursday, April 30 - Closing Day
6:00 a.m. Silent Meditation (Main Hall - Optional)
8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Guided Meditation and Closing