On-Land Retreat

Finding Refuge in Belonging: Annual BIPOC Retreat

As a BIPOC community, we come together to awaken to the possibility of our collective liberation. Knowing this liberation can only happen while in the presence of Beloved Community, we will open our hearts and minds to the true refuge of belonging. Throughout this retreat, we will gain insight into the 10 Paramis—the perfections or attainments of heart and mind—which will guide us as a map for the recovery and reclamation of a culture of belonging and wisdom. These are qualities for navigating life, not just guidelines for meditation, and they are said to be what the Buddha was cultivating in earlier lifetimes as he slowly developed into one who could awaken fully and show others the way to freedom. We will practice both seated and walking meditation/movement, as well as guided meditations, instructions, and Dharma offerings. All meditation levels are welcome to register.

Teaching Team

Noliwe Alexander

Noliwe Alexander

Teacher

Noliwe Alexander has been a student of Vipassana meditation for over 20 years. Throughout this time of deep devotion to the Dharma, Noliwe has become a dedicated practitioner, meditation teacher of various retreats and sitting groups, day-longs and class series programs. She dedicates her BuddhaDharma practice and teachings to the BiPOC, LGBTQIA+, At Risk and Elder communities.

Leslie Booker

Leslie Booker

Teacher

Booker is a Spirit Rock Teacher Training graduate, committed to creating a culture of belonging. She was voted as one of the 12 Powerful Women in the Mindfulness Movement in 2020, and is a Co-Guiding Teacher of New York Insight. She lives in Philadelphia with her partner and pup.

Gullu Singh, JD

Gullu Singh, JD

Teacher

Gulwinder “Gullu” Singh is Dharma teacher and corporate attorney with extensive training in both the practice and instruction of meditation. Gullu is inspired to share the Buddhist teachings as a path to well-being and a way to meet the challenges of life with more ease, grace and resiliency.

Margarita Loinaz

Margarita Loinaz

Teacher

Margarita Loinaz trained in the Theravada and Tibetan traditions since 1977. With Marlene Jones, she helped organize and teach the first POC retreat at SRMC in 1999. Her current teaching blends Dzogchen practice with social justice and environmental awareness. She was born in the Dominican Republic and is a grandmother.

Jonathan Relucio
Ramona  Lisa Ortiz-Smith, MBA

Ramona Lisa Ortiz-Smith, MBA

Teacher

Ramona Lisa Ortiz-Smith, MBA, has practiced and studied the Dharma in the Theravada tradition for many years. She considers herself a dedicated lay practitioner and has spent the last four years undertaking contemporary vows and living as a lay renunciate householder. She enjoys scholarly programs and long, silent retreat practice.

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