Retreat 2009

IF LIFE IS A NIGHTMARE – WAKE UP TO A DREAM

[An Introduction to Buddhism]

WHAT IS REAL? Our lives are filled with stress, amid abundance. The American dream is threatened by global violence and domestic insecurity. For over 2,500 years, Buddhism has influenced individuals and cultures toward harmony and peace in any life situation. The principles apply today, not due to any belief, but because they address the nature of our human condition.

HOW: This weekend Retreat helps clarify the basis for our reality. In a supportive, light-hearted environment, we will apply a Buddhist perspective to assess the causes and conditions of our misery or happiness. With introspection, dialogue, and insightful activities, we will move from a conceptual philosophy to a personal experience. Practicing some simple daily habits will illuminate our own path to a fulfilling life practice.

WHO: For anyone who is interested in incorporating an American Buddhist perspective to their conventional and spiritual life.

WHEN: August 14-16, 2009 Friday evening to Sunday noon

WHERE: The Quaker Center: A beautiful, redwood retreat near Ben Lomond in the Santa Cruz mountains.

FACILITATOR: Dr. Kenji Akahoshi is a health professional with a background in Buddhism, transpersonal psychology, wilderness vision quests, personal growth, and body-mind-spirit disciplines.

COST: $175 Room, meals, tuition.
$150 paid before July 15
Student discount $25: shared room

INFORMATION: Details and registration Tel. (408) 294-1005 or kna1023@sbcglobal.net

  Many of the basic assumptions of our conventional life have been challenged by recent global and domestic influences.  The basic tenants of Buddhism seem attractive as they offer insights toward establishing a firm ground of reality that is affirming.  Buddhism is recognized for influencing many different cultures toward harmony and peace for over 2,500 years.  However, the profound principles and unfamiliar practices are often difficult to grasp and apply to our complex, modern lifestyle.  This Retreat presents the structure of Buddhism in a format that is familiar to us, so that the core concepts can be utilized to develop an effective personal path of resolution.  The ambiance of the Retreat is relaxed and light, with an invitation for quiet introspection and also friendly inter-action.

We will learn deep Buddhist philosophical concepts by utilizing them in a personal process.  We ask you to come with an issue or problem that you feel comfortable discussing, as a way to understand Buddhist practice.  Also, you might bring a more personal, deeper concern that you don’t need to share with the group.  We will journal the progress of both these concerns, but will only share the lighter problem with others.  By applying Buddhist principles to our approach to life, we can reveal the causes and conditions that determine our misery or happiness.  By applying some simple daily habits, we can illuminate our own path to a fulfilling life practice.  Joy and gratitude are obvious signs of an awakened journey from nightmares to The Quaker Center is in a redwood forest just outside Ben Lomond.

www.quakercenter.org/   Emergency phone:   Office: 831-336-8333,  Orchard Lodge:   831-336-9665.  The dress is very casual and layering is recommended as the temperature may vary.  Mornings and evenings may be very cool, with warm afternoons.  The accommodations are rustic with a sink in each room and shared central toilets and showers.  Necessary items include:  sleeping bag or blanket/linen with pillow case (pillows provided), towels (bath, face & hand), toiletries (soap, shampoo, etc.), and a flashlight.  Recommended items include: Walking shoes, sweater/jacket, clock, camp stool or aluminum chair, and a light spirit and accepting heart.  Please, no pets, candles, nor incense.  We begin at 7:30 PM on Friday evening and end about 2:00 PM on Sunday. Five meals are included, beginning Saturday breakfast.  There will be some free time to explore the grounds.  Check-in is at 6:30 PM.  Coming from the south, just past Ben Lomond, look for Hubbard Gulch Road on the left, about 100 yards past Quality Inn.  (Alba Road is too far!) Once on Hubbard Gulch Rd., take the right road at the split.  It takes about 50 minutes from Los Gatos to the Quaker Center.  Car pooling is encouraged. 

Please phone or email for questions or more detail.  We look forward to a fun and enlightening weekend.