Discovering Silence: An Introduction to Silent Meditation Retreat

Listen to the sound of water
In the clefts and in the gullies:
The tiny streams gurgle loudly—
Mighty waters flow in silence.
From the Nalaka Sutta

Discovering Silence: An Introduction to Silent Meditation Retreat
March 14, 6pm to March 17, 2pm

Do you have an established meditation practice? Are you curious what a silent meditation retreat is like? This retreat is a great way to explore! This Noble Silence retreat is for moderately experienced meditators who would like to explore the practice of a silent meditation intensive.

This retreat provides a safe and supportive space to practice meditation in an atmosphere of deep silence. Aryaloka’s spacious facility and forested grounds provide a contemplative landscape in which to go deeper in your practice. You’ll be supported by a community of fellow practitioners and facilitators, all invested in creating the conditions in which meditation practice can flourish. Individual meditation review conversations can be arranged if questions arise or if you feel the need for some specific support.

While meditation is considered safe for most people, there are some for whom caution is advised. If this is your first time on an intensive meditation retreat, and you are dealing with emotional issues such as depression, trauma, grief, or a psychological diagnosis, please contact the office to discuss whether this retreat is right for you.

Excerpt from the Nalaka Sutta trans. by Olendzk

This retreat is residential and meals/housing are included in the price. Please see the note below about donations for teachers. You can access helpful information about attending retreats at Aryaloka here.
 

How are we coming together safely?

• Please take a Covid-19 rapid test on the day of the event (Aryaloka does not provide this test). A negative rapid test is required for entry; please take a photo of your test results and present at the door. 
• If you know you have been exposed to Covid-19 or if you have had Covid-19 within a five day period of the event’s start-time, we ask that you not attend in-person.
• Masks are optional unless otherwise stated. Please wear a mask if you have recovered from Covid-19 and are still between days 6 and 10 from your first positive test.
• If you have cold or flu symptoms, we ask that you do not attend in-person. 
• We have installed new air purifiers with virus-destroying technology!

Zoom options are available for some events. Transfer of fees or refunds are also available for illness or illness-preventative related absence. Please email info@aryaloka.org if you have any questions about our safety protocols. 
 

A Culture of Generosity and Support
In the tradition of passing on the Dharma freely, our Dharma retreat and workshop facilitators offer their work without charge and are not paid. We recognize the value in what they do and want to thank them for their time, energy and wisdom. A financial gift can help support our facilitators to afford them the opportunity to lead. Please consider making a donation towards their support. There is often a cash collection and a thank you card that is passed on the retreat, though one can also make a donation directly to facilitators with a check, and some use money transfer services such as PayPal or Venmo. Thank you for your generosity.
 

At Aryaloka, we strive to make our programs available to everyone regardless of their financial circumstances. Our fee structure allows you to pay according to your means. 

The Event Rate is our actual fee for the event. It is for people paying their rent or mortgage, and who can afford occasional or regular leisure expenses such as dining out. Any payment above the advertised fee is a tax-deductible donation. 

The Mid-Level Reduced Rate is for those who are paying their mortgage or rent, though experience a consistent tightness in budget that makes extras like leisure activities or unexpected expenses difficult or impossible. 

The Base-Level Reduced Rate is for those without an income or with an income low enough that making ends meet is a challenge. 

Those whose circumstances are not included above can email the office to make other arrangements. info@aryaloka.org