Meditate Like a Buddha — Going Deeper: Transforming Hindrances to Meditation

Meditate Like a Buddha — Going Deeper: Transforming Hindrances to Meditation; March 8, 10-4

This day retreat is ideal for meditators who are familiar with the mindfulness of breathing and/or metta bhavana (loving-kindness) meditation practices and who want to go deeper in their practice. You might also consider attending the day workshop on cultivating dhyana in April.

Learning about the hindrances and how to work with them is the next step that most meditators need to experience a more satisfying and transformative meditation practice. 

Why can’t we just sit down and close our eyes and be immediately focused and content? It is because one or more of the five hindrances are present! What can be done?
 

On this day retreat we will —

• Learn about the five hindrances and how to work with them
• Become familiar with the water imagery that is used to describe the mind
• Explore simple techniques to create the conditions for effective practice
• Learn about the antidotes to the hindrances
• Discuss the impact of our lifestyle and ethics on our meditation practice
• Explore the relationship between body and mind

Through a balanced program of presentation, discussion and meditation, we will all become more familiar with our minds and how to more effectively meditate! 
 

Experience Level — Intermediate: For those with some experience/practice of meditation and Buddhist teachings. Intermediate level events assume that attendees have had some beginner level training in meditation or Buddhist teachings either at Aryaloka or elsewhere. Not appropriate for beginners but may be of interest to experienced practitioners.

Led by Suddhayu and Team
 

Image detail: The Buddha Akshobhya; Nepalese (Artist) 16th-18th century, Walters Art Museum
 

This workshop includes a vegetarian lunch. You can access helpful information about attending workshops at Aryaloka here.
 

As of May 1st, 2025 we are no longer requiring covid testing to attend overnight events at Aryaloka. You may consider testing on your own initiative but we will not be asking to see a negative test. We will continue to run air purifiers in common spaces during all events at Aryaloka. We will be maintaining a few health related requests as follows:

• 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.
• If you have cold or flu symptoms, we ask that you do not attend in-person.

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, or health related concerns.

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 including reduced rates, payment schedules, volunteer opportunities and scholarships. info@aryaloka.org