Illuminating the Dharma — Creativity & Arts Retreat for Women

Creativity & Arts Retreat for Women

Come explore how your imagination and creativity connects to your Dharma life! Imagination is a pillar of the Triratna Buddhist Community and an inspiring aspect of our Dharmic path. Using Milarepa’s Song of the Yogi's Joy as our map and creativity as our vehicle, we will spend a spacious weekend discovering the known and unknown within our internal landscape. This retreat offers the necessary community support to express our spiritual inspirations in images, colors, textures — really whatever sparks the imagination for print and visual media. No prior experience necessary — open to all women.

The program includes meditation, ritual, open creative spaces, and support for learning how to give expression to that which arises in your heart-mind. Materials in a variety of mediums (such as paints, paper, markers, thread and more) will be provided, though participants are also welcome to bring their own supplies. 
 

Led by:
Maryellen Burke is a crafter who loves to make things with textiles, especially recycled fabrics. Knitting and embroidery are also her loves because they help focus her mind on loving kindness. FInding creative ways to engage in the suttas and the stories of Buddha's life have been especially fulfilling.

Megrette Fletcher is a Mitra at Aryaloka and uses creativity to express her understanding of the Dharma. Her limited artistic ability provides her with an endless opportunity to practice self-compassion and non-striving.

Deb Seavey is a visual artist who enjoys creating art as a way of exploring the Dharma in an intuitive, non-verbal way. She hopes that her art can help to support others’ practice.

Viriyalila is an artist and crafter who enthusiastically applies creativity in her Dharma pursuits. She is passionate about learning how to be a better human in an ever-changing world.

Safety: *Please note that this event was posted in February and that the covid related guidelines may change as the retreat approaches.

How are we coming together safely?

• We are requiring that all in-person participants be fully vaccinated vs Covid-19, including a booster, and will ask for a photo or scan of vaccination cards.
• Please plan on taking a covid-19 rapid test on the day of the event. A negative rapid test is required for entry.
• Masks are optional unless otherwise stated.
• If you have cold or flu symptoms, we ask that you do not attend.
• We have installed new air purifiers with virus-destroying technology!
• We will have the same few people working in the kitchen.
• We will practice social distancing in the shrine room.
• There will be some new cleaning and sanitation protocols.
• There will be one-person per bedroom unless already sharing a household.
• The retreat population will be limited.

*Please let us know if you have questions or concerns about how we’re coming together.

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 considering this.

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