DEVELOPING MEDITATIVE SKILL:
SUMMER RETREATS 2012
AT SUNSHINE COAST RETREAT HOUSE
We are experimenting with a new retreat formula next summer that will combine
opportunities for both residential and non-residential meditators. This will increase
access, without sacrificing depth. We believe this change will enhance the experience
of all those who participate, as well as being a more economical use of Bonniʼs energy.
Healing the Senses — Re-enchanting the World
Session 1 (July 7 to July 13) — Residential and Non-Residential
All our information comes in through the doorways we call the senses. Our experience is intimate, direct
and conditioned by past sensory experience. Healing the senses is part of the power of awakening; they
are not separate. To openly and deeply see and hear and smell and taste and touch re-kindles our sense
of wonder and creativity and begins to heal past negative experience which creates filters of dullness and
limitation through which we experience a distorted world.
We will physically cleanse and meditatively explore each of our senses, increasing awareness of the
miraculous, vast potential of clarity and freedom in each one of us.
Energy Rides the Winds — Meditation on Breathing (Anapanasati)
Session 2 (July 14 to 20) — Residential and Non-Residential
Session 3 (July 21 to 27) — Residential only
This subtle and profound practice is potent for everyone. It is said to be the contemplation Gautama was
engaged in as the experience of full enlightenment dawned, totally transforming him into Buddha. Since
breathing defines our corporeal aliveness, as long as we are breathing, we can practice. This is good
news; no special equipment or circumstances required!
We begin by developing one-pointedness of mind, the foundation of skillful meditation. This leads us
quickly into a process of purification — releasing the blocks and distortions of our energy body and
defensive patterns and tension from the physical form. We begin to develop the ability to rest more
durably in wholesome states of mind and to directly experience the interplay of mind and breath. As the
focussed field of our awareness naturally expands, we discover, as all those who have explored the
mystical path before us have done, the great Truths that transcend culture, belief and understanding
rooted in intellect alone.
Love is Always with You — Meditation on Loving-kindness (Metta)
Session 4 (July 28 to August 3) — Residential and Non-Residential
Session 5 (August 4 to 10) — Residential only
Recommended preparation: Meditation on Breathing
Moving the focus of one-pointedness into the heart increases the power of healing (with a corresponding
increase in the need for skillful integration.) Loving-kindness is practiced to heal personal patterns of
mind that are negative, to imprint wholesome supports for awakening and to explore infinitely expansive
states of consciousness. Positive states of mind are far too important (and enjoyable) to depend only on
spontaneous causes and conditions to give rise to them! This retreat will introduce a variety of
approaches to the practice, and is suitable for meditators at all stages of development.
Heart of Transcendence — Meditation on Chenreizig, Universal Compassion
Session 6 (August 11 to August 19) — Residential and Non-Residential
Recommended preparation: Meditation on Loving-kindness
Development of compassion is the path to realization in Vajrayana and without question the most
important quality of consciousness in todayʼs world. This sublime practice, incorporating visualization,
mantra, mudra, energy and non-clinging awareness, is an easeful, effective method for developing the
steadfast gentleness needed to engage with the suffering of oneself and others. In the mental
environments of Vajrayana practice, focus changes . . . sometimes on a moving object, sometimes still. It
is easy to wander around in their complexity without focus, and do yourself more harm than good! This
retreat will emphasize safe practice with skills that are applicable to any meditation from this tradition.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Retreat sessions will begin with a morning class on the first day, and end after morning class on the final
day. Those attending consecutive sessions may continue to practice in the transition times.
All retreats will begin with commitment to practice the Five Self-Liberation Precepts, which provide a
deepening awareness of non-harming behavior.
All meditators, residential and non-residential, will perform service each day. Karma yoga takes about an
hour, and includes simple household and garden tasks.
If you are unable to attend complete retreats, you may start at the beginning and stay as long as you are
able, with a minimum of three days.
The “recommended preparation” noted reflects an orderly development of meditative skill, and it not
intended to exclude anyone interested. Please discuss any issues you might have with us.
The main meal of the day will be prepared and served at 12:30 pm to all meditators. Preparing and
sharing food is an important part of retreat experience. Meals are vegetarian. If you have special dietary
needs (or preferences) please declare them on the application form. It is not possible, in such a small
facility, to provide for everyoneʼs dietary preferences.
Applicants should be in relatively good physical and emotional health. Please let us know of any
difficulties you are having and medications you are taking on the application form.
If you have not received individual instruction from Bonni before, please apply only for sessions 1
and/or 2.
INFORMATION FOR RESIDENTIAL APPLICANTS
Preference for the limited residential spaces will be given to those who are able to attend complete twoweek
retreats.
Residential meditators will prepare their own breakfasts and light evening meals in the meditatorsʼ kitchen
with all food provided.
One residential space may be available for someone who wishes to provide service for Bonni and the
retreat as their primary practice. There will be no fees or food charges, although dana is always
appropriate. Please indicate on the application form if you are applying for the service role.
INFORMATION FOR NON-RESIDENTIAL APPLICANTS
Non-residential meditators will be expected to remain at the Retreat House from the time of morning class
until 4 pm (unless otherwise arranged.)
COSTS
There is a non-refundable deposit, payable upon application, of $35 for each of the six sessions of the
retreat. For example, if you are applying to attend Sessions 1, 2 and 3, your deposit would be $105. If
you want to attend the entire retreat of six sessions, your deposit would be $210. (Yes, we know the last
session is two days longer. Itʼs a deal, eh?) This money will be used to buy materials for sense
cleansing, copy making, crafting and other materials used daily . . . and anything else we havenʼt
anticipated yet. If there isnʼt room for you, we will return your money.
Food costs
Residential meditators $20 per day ($140 per week)
# includes all meals and snacks
Non-residential meditators $9 ($45 per week)
# includes the mid-day meal and snacks
Accommodation costs
We are determined to maintain our present dana-based operation, so that no one need feel unable to
come because of lack of money. This system only works if everyone gives to the best of their ability — a
culture of generosity. We are often asked for guidelines, and there really are none. Really. But we do
refer those who press to the daily charge for members at The Dharma Centre of Canada . . . presently
$40 . . . and hope this will not be construed as asking for, or expecting, that amount. Dana means
generosity. We are a community striving to give as much as we can, in whatever way we can, all the
time.
We hope that non-residential meditators will also give according to their means, with the understanding
that all donations keep the flow of toilet paper and dish soap and light bulbs happening. The primary
expenditure is the maintenance of our beautiful contemplative garden, which truly becomes the
Buddhafield in which the summer retreats take place.
Gratitude for teaching
As is traditional, Bonni charges no fees for classes, practice sessions, answering e-mail questions or
providing personal instruction and guidance. There is no “suggested donation.” She genuinely lives “by
the bowl” and is entirely supported by the generosity of her students and friends. If you have questions
about the practice of dana, please read her article GIVING AND RECEIVING: WHY DHARMA
TEACHERS DONʼT CHARGE FEES on our website www.retreathouse.bc.ca/supporting-the-centre/
or ask her directly if that doesnʼt speak to your concerns and answer your questions.
Questions?
Weʼre pretty sure we havenʼt thought of everything, although we did try! And we are even more sure that
what seems very clear to us wonʼt be to some of you.
Please help us by reading all the info carefully (just in case you missed something) and e-mailing us
about anything else you need to know. Weʼll be in New Zealand soon, but the usual e-mail addresses will
still work:
# bonni@dccnet.com
# retreathouse@dccnet.com
Please email for an application form.
Deadline for application for the four residential spaces is May 15 so that those coming from afar have
time to make travel arrangements. If there are still residential spaces available after the deadline, we
inform everyone on the Retreat House contact list, so that those who prefer the adrenaline rush of last
minute planning can step up!
Deadline for application for non-residential meditators is June 15. There are eight non-residential spaces
available.
Print, fill out and mail with your deposit cheque (payable to Sunshine Coast Retreat House) or copy it into an e-mail and fill in your info there. Youʼll still have to mail your deposit cheque to complete the application process. Mailing address is: 993 Cheryl Ann Park Road, Roberts Creek, BC V0N 2W4 Canada.
A summer workshop at the Retreat House
A summer workshop at the Retreat House