Entering the Mahayana

For many in this day and age, speed and efficiency is a priority. In this retreat we will slow down and question that assumption. Many cultures have supported other values. What values do we want in our lives? How does our intention actually manifest in our living?

A culture of meditation is what the Buddha proposed. That experience has manifested differently as it grew inside of various existent cultures, shifting them from the inside. During this week we will look at one ruler's proposal to shift his country's culture to the view of Mahayana Buddhism with King Songtsen Gampo's "Edict of Wholesome Human Conduct". (See more on King Songtsen Gampo below)

We will explore how meditation changes our behavior, impacting both our inner and outer world view and influencing how we engage differently in the world.

• We will have activities and discussions that bring us into our own awareness of what we are assuming about ourselves and others.
• There will be a consistent daily schedule with periods of silence and not.
• We'll use movement, walks in nature and lots of meditation to give ourselves time to be here and feel now.

There are no pre-requisites. Bring yourself as you are, no experience necessary. Everyone is welcome.

• 7:00am Session 1
  Opening Chants, meditation, morning walk
• 8:00am Breakfast
  Silent on our own
• 9:00am Session 2
  Meditation, Movement, Contemplation
• 12:30pm Lunch
  As a group
• 1:30 - 2:30 
  Community Work Period
• 3:00pm Session 3
  Meditation, Movement, Contemplation
  Tea/Discussion
• 6:30pm Dinner
  As a group
• 7:00pm Session 4
  Meditation, Study
• 9:00pm
  End of Day

King Songtsen Gampo is an example of a ruler who moved his constituents towards living the intentional life of Mahayana Buddhism. He was a Tibetan monarch who reigned from 617 to 650. At the time of the King's rule, Bön was the dominant religion, with Buddhism barely having a presence in the country.

Two of King Songtsen Gampo's wives are credited with sparking his interest in Buddhism; Bhrikuti from Kathmandu and Princess Wengchin, daughter of the Tang emperor. The King wanted to bring Buddhism to Tibet but found that the lack of a written script for Tibetan hindered his efforts. In order to facilitate translations of the Buddhist teachings, the King charged one of his ministers with developing a written language for the country. He then went on to commissioned the translation of several thousand Buddhist texts.

King Songtsen Gampo is credited with preparing the ground for Buddhism to be able to take root and flourish in Tibet.