Jewish Buddhist Retreat
Cultivating a Heart of Gratitude
November 1st - 4th, 2013. Manoir Bruyere, Aylmer, Quebec
Led by Rabbi Miriam Margles and Shoken Michael Stone
Is gratitude a feeling? An orientation? A practice? What practices enable us to grow our awareness and appreciation of the blessings that fill our lives? What obstacles block our ability to meet every experience with thankfulness? Can we cultivate a sense of gratitude even in the face of challenge or pain?
The retreat will combine seated and walking meditation; Buddhist chanting; contemplative Jewish prayer; learning from Buddhist and Jewish sources; a joyful celebration of Shabbat and creative Shabbat morning Torah service; meetings with teachers; opportunities to ask questions; 3 vegetarian meals daily and mindful eating practice.
For segments of the retreat, we will maintain social silence, with participants refraining from speaking to each other. This creates the opportunity to turn our focus inward, paying gentle attention to our habits of thought and reaction, and exploring more intentional and insightful alternatives.
No previous meditation experience or Jewish knowledge required. Everyone is warmly welcome.
Registration: http://www.eventbrite.ca/org/3274151744
Fee: $467.50 includes: accommodation, vegetarian meals, parking, administration, and teacher stipend. Dana (donation), the ancient Buddhist practice of generosity, is offered to teachers at the end of the retreat.
For more information, contact: JewishBuddhistRetreat@gmail.com.
Rabbi Miriam Margles is the rabbi of the Danforth Jewish Circle and is a teacher of Jewish text and spiritual practice. She is a composer of new music for Jewish prayer and leads communities in moving services that integrate the rich meanings of prayers with exploration through voice and breath, contemplative silence and joyous song. She is also the co-founder of Encounter, training Jewish leaders to be effective agents of change in transforming the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Shoken Michael Stone is a Buddhist teacher and founder of Centre of Gravity, where committed formal Buddhist practice intersects with modern urban life. Through mindfulness, yoga, retreats and group study, he offers practical ways for people to integrate personal development with engagement in the world.
Sponsored by Ottawa's Jewish Reconstructionist Community, Or Haneshamah
Shoken Michael Stone is a Buddhist teacher and founder of Centre of Gravity, where committed formal Buddhist practice intersects with modern urban life. Through mindfulness, yoga, retreats and group study, he offers practical ways for people to integrate personal development with engagement in the world.
Sponsored by Ottawa's Jewish Reconstructionist Community, Or Haneshamah