Restraint, Patience, and Virtue (All the Unpopular Buddhist Topics): A Weekend Meditation Retreat (In-person in Twisp, WA)

Join Ajahn Nisabho for two days of meditation and teachings, 9 am – 5 pm on Saturday, Oct. 7th, and Sunday, Oct. 8th, at the Twisp Valley Grange in Twisp, WA (344 W 2nd Ave, Twisp, WA). Note that Clear Mountain’s weekly Saturday gathering in Seattle will still be held as usual.

In Buddhism’s coming to the West, several key teachings—such as patience, virtue, and restraint—have been underemphasized. However, these represent meaningful parts of the Buddhist path, and their omission can limit our practice. Using breath meditation as a basis, participants will have the opportunity to explore these key stepping stones on the path.

To register, email Sarah Conover [email protected]. You may find places to stay on the Camping and Lodging Options sheet, and offer or request a ride on the rideshare board. To learn about future monastic teachings in the area, check out the website and newsletter of Cascade Hermitage, the event’s host and a nascent monastic retreat in the Winthrop, WA. 

As the Cascade Hermitage is working to develop a retreat for monastics, a work party is scheduled for the day following the retreat, Mon. Oct. 9, weather permitting. If you’re interested in staying an extra day to do good work in the woods with spiritual friends, just say so in your application email; good Dhammic fun!. 

Schedule
Note: People may come for one day if unable to attend the full two. On Sunday, those coming from out-of-town may leave at 3:30 pm in order to have time to return home.

9 – 10 am: Brief welcome, introduction, & guided meditation.
10 – 10:30 am: Dhamma talk
10:30 – 11:20 am: Sitting & walking meditation
11:30 am – 12:30 pm: Potluck lunch
12:30 – 1:00 pm: Rest/ free time
1:00 – 1:30 pm: Dhamma talk
1:30 – 2:00 pm: Group Q&A
2:00 – 3:30 Walking & sitting meditation (and group interviews)
3:30 – 4:00 pm: Group Q&A
4 – 4:30 pm: Walking & sitting meditation (and group interviews)
4:30 – 5 pm: Closing comments, and spreading blessings
5 – 6 pm: Informal Teatime, clean-up, and general hobnobbing with old and new friends!

Meal
Participants may bring a dish for a potluck lunch!

What to Bring
– A meditation cushion (some spare cushions and chairs are available for sitting at the venue)
– A blanket if you get chilly sitting still
– A dish for a shared meal!
– Your intention to practice in community!

Lodging & Camping
For camping and lodging options, see the “Camping and Lodging Options in the Methow Valley” document. 

Donations
All teachings are offered completely free of charge, with no expectation of anything in return. However, those attendees who feel inspired to donate may do so at the event or visiting Friends of Clear Mountain. Such contributions help support future offerings and the growth of Dhamma.

Biographies
Ajahn Nisabho
After finishing college in 2012, Ajahn Nisabho left his native Washington to go forth as a Buddhist monk in Thailand. He received full ordination the following spring under Ajahn Anan, a senior disciple of renowned meditation master, Ajahn Chah, and spent the following years training in forest monasteries throughout Thailand, Australia, and the US. While staying with some of the lineage’s most respected teachers, he grew to believe the Thai Forest Tradition’s balance of communal life with solitary forest dwelling, careful adherence to the monastic precepts, and focus on meditation represented a faithful embodiment of the original Buddhist path. Moreover, his time with contemporary masters such as Ajahn Anan, Ajahn Pasanno, and Ajahn Jayasaro, convinced him that such a path could yield great fruit in the heart even amidst the complexities of modern life. He currently resides in Seattle as part of Clear Mountain Monastery’s aspiration.

For news of upcoming retreats and teachings, subscribe to our YouTube channel, Facebook page, Discord Server, or newsletter. If you live in the greater Seattle area, you may join our “Mitta Meetups” Community Calendar and WhatsApp group for locals. To organize carpools to and from events, visit our Rideshare Board.