Join us on Saturday, April 13, 2013 for a special daylong with Amma Thanasanti from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Stanislaus County, 2172 Kiernan Ave., Modesto, CA

The point of a spiritual path is to awaken. Along the path, as we radically open our hearts, expand our minds, awaken to an embodied divinity, and be inspired to walk a path of sacred action in the world there are many joys. This day long retreat will be an exploration of some of them- enjoying simple pleasures without being distracted by incessant thoughts, surrendering into a quality of love even in the face of suffering, and feeling the power of connection and truthful communication. The Buddha taught awareness of body and breath as a cornerstone to the path of enlightenment. Bringing attention to the body allows for relaxation, stillness, renewal and letting go. To discover the body is to discover awareness, and eventually, the awakened state. This allows an authentic relationship with ourselves and all of life. This brings about an unshakable joy.

This day long retreat will be divided into times for guided and silent meditation, Insight Dialogue, discussion and awareness with movement. It is suitable for both beginning and experienced meditators. Please bring a vegetarian potluck dish to offer and share for lunch, if you would like.  For the sake of those who may have sensitivities or allergies, please do not wear scented or perfumed products.  There will be a limited number of zabutons and zafus. Chairs will be available.

(Amma) Thanasanti Bhikkhuni began meditating over 30 years ago and was a Buddhist nun for 20 years in the Ajahn Chah tradition. In 2009 she returned to the US and founded Awakening Truth (www.awakeningtruth.org), an organization whose mission to support a Bhikkhuni training monastery and a new interface between monastic and lay practioners in the modern world. In 2010 received Bhikkhuni ordination.

Amma’s is warm and funny. She teaches meditation as an art and skill, integrating body, heart and mind to experience our natural state of wisdom, love and peace. She has taught meditation for over 15 years. Currently she resides at Shakti Vihara Hermitage in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Cost: This retreat is offered on a Dana basis. Dana means generosity and is the Buddhist practice of giving to ones capacity. In keeping with traditional Buddhist principles, teachings which liberate are priceless and so no set fee is required making them accessible to all.

For more info contact: Lori Wong at 209-343-2748

You can download a Joys of Awakening Printable Flyer.

Saturday & Sunday, February 9 & 10, 2013, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Stanislaus County, Sarana Kuti Building, 2172 Kiernan Ave., Modesto, CA

Enjoy traditional Buddhist sitting and walking practices, interspersed with short dharma talks, poetry, music, and chanting.  We will be soothing and inspiring our hearts with teachings on the Brahma Viharas, the ‘Divine Abodes’ of Lovingkindness, Compassion, Appreciative Joy, and Equanimity.  This is an opportunity to delve deeply into these beautiful qualities, and replenish ourselves with meditation and music. Saturday’s teachings will be on Metta (Lovingkindness) & Karuna (Compassion); Sunday’s teachings will be on Mudita (Appreciative Joy) & Uppekha (Equanimity).

No experience required.  Simple instructions will be offered.  You will be given a song sheet with the songs and chants but you are not required to sing or chant.  If you prefer to listen, that is just fine.

“Eve’s voice singing the Dharma on the “Brahma Viharas” reached me deeper than words have ever been able to reach. The energy I felt was a connectedness to all things. Compassion and letting go resonated deeply though my body when we all chanted and bowed low to Kwan Yin. By adding her musical abilities to her toolkit of experience Eve Decker is an insightful Buddhist teacher and talented artist. This non-traditional Vipassana retreat was one of the best I have ever been on.”
-Janet Etter, Victoria Insight Center, B.C. Canada

“My partner Steve was saying the other day that he loves sitting with Eve because of her sincerity, warmth, authenticity, and absolute passion for the Dharma.  I couldn’t agree more.  We always leave the Sangha after she has been there with big, open hearts!” – Sarah Bessera, Sangha leader, Benicia Sangha, California

Eve Decker began her practices in Vipassana and Metta Meditation in 1991.  She is a graduate of the Path of Engagement (a two year program integrating Buddhist practice and social change work) and the Community Dharma Leader Program (an intensive two year teacher training), both through Spirit Rock Meditation Center.  Eve released a CD of original songs based on Buddhist teachings in 2006 (Commentary on Perfections of the Heart) and since that time has been using music to teach the dharma throughout the United States and beyond.  For more on Eve see her website at http://www.evedecker.com.

This day is freely offered to all.  Donations are welcome to support Eve and future Insight Meditation Modesto offerings.  Please bring a vegetarian potluck dish to share for lunch, if you would like.  For the sake of those who may have sensitivities or allergies, please do not wear scented or perfumed products.  If you have a meditation cushion, please bring it.  Chairs will be available.

Sarana Kuti is the small stand-alone building on the UUFSC property at the rear of the east parking lot. It is behind the Johnson Building.  Location might change.  Space is limited, registration required.  Please register with Lori Wong at 209-343-2748 or at insightmeditationmodesto@gmail.com.