Prerequisite: at least one previous 5 day silent retreat.

Not soon, as late as the approach of my ninetieth year - I felt a door opening in me and I entered the clarity of early morning.
Czeslaw Milosz, Late Ripeness

What is the meaning and purpose of old age? Are there unrecognized potentials of consciousness as we age? Even as our memory slides and our cognitive skills slow down, is there the possibility of growing in wisdom and compassion? Buddhist teachings tell us that the potential for freeing the heart and mind does not depend on age. It depends on the training of mind and heart to abide in timeless awareness, untroubled and free. It is best to begin this training long before you are ill or dying. Then, like a treasured friend, your own mind can accompany you through the challenges of loss and the dysfunction of the body.

Join a group of your peers to explore these opportunities. Teachings will offer a blend of contemporary research on mindfulness and aging with the ancient wisdom of the Buddhadharma, including reflections on the universal truths of anicca, dukkha, and anatta. This is a silent retreat with one period a day of contemplative inquiry in dyads or small groups. In addition, there will be daily instructions in mindfulness, meetings with the teachers, dharma talks, and qigong.

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Also remember that the cost above is priced as a sliding scale. Please pay at the highest level of the sliding scale that you can afford. This allows others who need to pay less the opportunity to attend. Fee is for room and board. Teaching and staffing of the retreats is by donation at the end of the retreat. For more information, see Retreat FAQ.