Journey Into the Mirror Four-Day Retreat

A Journey into the Mirror

Veterans Day Weekend: Friday, November 10th through Monday, November 13th, 2023

This will be a hybrid event that will be open to the public with in-person attendance and the option to participate virtually via Zoom.

The Rigpa US Autumn Retreat 2023 will be held over the Veteran’s Day weekend, from November 10th (Friday) through November 13th (Monday), at Orgyen Dorje Den (ODD) in Alameda, California.  We are fortunate that Andy Karr, teacher and author of the book, Into the Mirror: A Buddhist Journey through Mind, Matter and the Nature of Reality, and long-time meditation instructor Lynn Friedman, will be teaching in-person at ODD.

Our true nature is like a mirror, capable of reflecting anything without bias or apprehension. When we don’t recognize the nature of our experiences, we chase after reflections we want, and push away (or try to destroy) the ones we fear. We have always been the mirror, but deep rooted delusion prevents us from realizing this. We need an equally deep journey to cut through delusion and find true freedom.

In this retreat we will explore essential components of the Mahayana Buddhist approach to the path of freedom from suffering, looking at the foundational teachings—such as the four noble truths, enlightenment, and meditation—from a fresh Mahayana perspective. Andy will presentg material from his new book, Into the Mirror: A Buddhist Journey through Mind, Matter, and the Nature of Reality along with Lynn Friedman, an esteemed meditation instructor in the Shambhala tradition. They will lead the group in contemplation, discussion, and extended periods of sitting and walking meditation. Together, we will engage with study and reflection on ethical conduct, and see how these can be integrated into our daily lives. Anyone interested in Buddhism, philosophy, meditation, and consciousness can appreciate this retreat.