Regional Sangha Retreat 2027: How To Be a 21st Century Bodhisattva

Regional Sangha Retreat 2027: How To Be a 21st Century Bodhisattva 
Friday Jan 15 6pm to Monday Jan 18, 2:30pm

This retreat is open to all sangha members from Aryaloka, Boston, Lubec, Portland, Portsmouth, New York and New Jersey. Born from a desire to bring our east coast sanghas together, the Regional Retreat has been running for 18 years! This is a wonderful opportunity to meet Buddhists from across the region and make new friends. This retreat is ideal for intermediate + practitioners.

War, violence, famine, divisive politics, as well as worsening climate change and natural disasters – as Buddhists, and perhaps as aspiring Bodhisattvas, how are we to respond to these mega-crises? How can I, as one individual, hope to have any impact in a world seemingly so volatile? And how do I take care of myself while helping others?

This year’s Regional Sangha Retreat is an exploration of the Bodhisattva Ideal - the ideal of Compassionate Action. We’ll look at the traditional teachings, but also consider how they might translate into our real world experience of today.  

There will be Dharma talks, meditation, and plenty of time for discussing how to bring these themes into our everyday 21st century lives.

The Regional Sangha Retreat is an annual tradition, now in its 18th year. Let’s come together and co-create the magic that emerges when practicing together in a loving, supportive community. 

The themes discussed on this retreat come from a series of talks by Sangharakshita called Aspects of the Bodhisattva Ideal. These talks were also published in book form under the title The Bodhisattva Ideal: Wisdom and Compassion in Buddhism. You are welcome to review this material in advance, but it is not required. You can just come as you are, with your receptivity and enthusiasm.

Aryaloka is a magical place for winter retreat. The winter landscape in Aryaloka’s forest and along the Piscassic river allows for contemplative walking and the appreciation of nature. Being together as a region in such a pleasing environment is a celebration of sangha and Dharma practice that satisfies our need for community and our need for the inner work of meditation. 

Led by Singhasuri, Sravaniya, Subhramani and Sunada

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.

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 able to pay for their living expenses, 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 able to pay for their living expenses, 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