“The Buddha’s Path: Explore, Reflect, Transform” retreat will be held on May 7-11 at the Indigo Hotel in Gainesville.
The five-day event, presented by the Southeastern Buddhist Retreat Center, will focus on the mind, body and spirit and is designed for these challenging times. The retreat will examine the richness of the Buddhist wisdom across multiple traditions and will provide a toolkit for intentional living for people seeking a more peaceful, integrated and fulfilling life.
The region’s top Buddhist teachers and Lamas in meditation will be on hand to explore topics that include: anxiety and Buddhist psychology, grief and impermanence, intentional living, mindfulness, compassion, and ethical living.
Participants will experience communal dining at some of the area’s leading vegetarian and vegan restaurants, along with interactive explorations of several of the area’s best natural attractions.
Program Highlights:
The Global Wisdom Series features engaging 45-minute presentations by world-class Lamas and teachers on the profound lineages of Zen, Tibetan, Thích Nhất Hạnh and Nichiren. Attendees will learn practical tools for modern resilience.
Somatic and Silent Practice focuses on restoring physical and mental equilibrium through guided mind-body exercises and the transformative practices of Vipassana, Sanbo Zen, Shabata and Kagyu meditation.
Restorative Exploration promises to rejuvenate the spirit with excursions to the region’s serene natural springs and the breathtaking horizon of Payne’s Prairie. Attendees shall experience a unique evening at the Santa Fe College Planetarium, where they can reflect on their place in the cosmos.
Artisanal Vegetarian Dining is a fully curated culinary experience with breakfast, lunch, and dinner included. Featuring Gainesville’s most celebrated vegan and vegetarian fare, this dining experience is designed to nourish and delight.
Presentations include the following:
- Health, Wellness and Meditation in Tibetan Buddhism with Lama David Bole
- The Role of Women in Buddhism with Lama Rina Otero
- Nachirin Buddhism with Kali Blount
- Forest Tradition Theravada Buddhism, Paynes Prairie experience with Nancy Lasseter
- The Psychology of the Eightfold Path with Laurie Reisman
- Sanbo Zen with Shana Smith
- Zen teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh with Mark Burlingame
- Mind-body Energetic Exercises with J. Carlo Diaz.
“For these difficult times, we’ve designed a rare opportunity to learn from multiple Buddhist traditions,” said Dr. K.A. Shakoor, DAOM. “We think you’ll come away renewed, refreshed and at peace in mind, body and spirit.”
Retreatants can register for one to five days, including a special Mother’s Day concert featuring renowned Eastern musicians. In addition, Laurie Reisman will play singing bowls, and Helene Hammer will perform on the harmonium. The concert also features a presentation on Tibetan painting by noted artist Kali Levitow.
For more information and to register, visit www.sebrc.org or call or text Shakoor at 321-216-0505.
The Indigo Hotel is located at 5020 SW 30th Lane in Celebration Pointe.