In this retreat, we will study the groups of mental factors that hold us in bondage to samsara, the cycle of repetitive birth and death, and the opposing factors that lead to liberation. The retreat will be based on the Comprehensive Manual of Abhidhamma, chapter II, sections 4–8, and chapter VII, sections 3–14 and 24–40. The retreat will include Dhamma talks, discussion periods, and five sessions of meditation each day. It will also provide the opportunity for those who haven’t yet “gone for refuge” to go for refuge to the Three Jewels, the first decisive step in formally becoming a follower of the Buddhadharma.
The retreat will be conducted in hybrid mode, both onsite and online. Those who wish to join in person can come to Chuang Yen Monastery and stay from Friday evening until Monday afternoon. Those who cannot attend in person can practice at home, participating online over Zoom or YouTube.
The monastery can accept only fifty onsite practitioners. If you apply after the fifty spaces have been filled, you will be put on a waiting list and accepted if prior applicants drop out. If you can’t join in person, you can join from home via Zoom or YouTube. You should register to participate in person only if you can make a commitment to come to Chuang Yen Monastery and stay through Monday afternoon. If you can participate only part time, please join through the online channels.