“All that we are is the result of what we have thought: it is founded on our thoughts, it is made up of our thoughts. If one speaks or acts with pure thoughts, happiness follows like a shadow that never leaves.” — Dhammapada, Verse 2
In our daily lives, effort often looks like striving: pushing to achieve, succeed, or prove something to others. But in Buddhism, the most powerful effort we can make is internal. It’s the effort to develop a mind full of ease, kindness, and gentleness. In this retreat, open to young adults 35 and under, we’ll explore what the Buddha truly meant by Right Effort, focusing on the Four Great Efforts as tools to support our hearts and minds.
The Four Great Efforts:
The First Effort: The effort to protect the mind from unwholesome thoughts from arising. Through concentration you will develop the agency to place your awareness on a chosen object, such as the breath, to protect your mind from wandering into stressful thoughts.
The Second Effort: The effort to remove unwholesome thoughts that already have arisen. Through mindfulness you will gain the awareness to observe any stressful thoughts that arise and respond with kindness and clarity.
The Third Effort: The effort to cultivate wholesome thoughts that have not yet arisen. Through loving kindness meditation, you will learn to intentionally develop thoughts that bring you inner peace and gentleness.
The Fourth Effort: The effort to strengthen wholesome thoughts that have already arisen. Through consistent practice you will develop the confidence to live your life from a secure and loving inner presence. The retreat will take place in noble silence, offering an environment conducive to deep practice.
Daily activities will include meditation instructions, Dharma talks, mindful movement, silent sitting and walking meditation, and group interviews to support your practice.
This retreat is open to both beginners and experienced meditators, 35 and under.
*When planning your budget, consider including a contribution of dana (generosity) for the teachers at the conclusion of the retreat.