Rapture, Reality, & the Joyful Heart: A Daylong Meditation Retreat in Spokane, WA (In-Person)

Join Ajahn Nisabho for a day of meditation and teachings, 9 am – 5 pm on Saturday, July 6th, at Harmony Woods Retreat Center outside of Spokane, WA (11507 S Keeney Rd, Spokane, WA). Note that Clear Mountain’s weekly Saturday gathering in Seattle will still be held as usual.

The Buddha repeatedly advised us to cultivate joy as a support for a strong practice, happy heart, and lucid awareness. Despite this, modern practitioners often find their meditations dry, let down by narrow techniques that fail to interest their active minds. By cultivating breath and loving-kindness meditation, we brighten the mind so it can clearly see the reality of impermanence, holding it all in alongside the joyful heart.

If you previously registered via the old Eventbrite page, please register again at the new page below. Feel free to contact Mary Webster with any questions at [email protected]. May all beings be well!

Register

This retreat is being held in honor of Chris Nerison, who passed away in late March of 2024. Chris, who originally organized this retreat, spent years stewarding the Spokane Mindfulness Meditation community and was a dedicated supporter of Clear Mountain who practiced and gave with great faith. He will be remembered with love. May his passage be one of grace.

Schedule
9 – 10 am: Brief welcome, introduction, & guided meditation.
10 – 10:30 am: Dhamma talk
10:30 – 11:30 am: Sitting & walking meditation
11:30 am – 12:30 pm: Potluck Meal
12:30 – 1:00 pm: Rest/ free time
1:00 – 1:30 pm: Sitting Meditation
1:30 – 2:00 pm: Dhamma Talk
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
4:30 – 5 pm: Closing comments, and spreading blessings.
5 – 5:15 pm: Merit dedication for Chris.
5 – 6 pm: Informal Teatime, clean-up, and general hobnobbing with old and new friends!

Meal
In honor of Chris Nerison’s focus on community and giving, the retreat meal will be a potluck. Those who wish may bring a dish to contribute to the group meal!

What to Bring
– A meditation cushion if you have one (some spare cushions and chairs are available for sitting at the venue)
– A dish for the communal potluck.
– Your intention to practice in community!

Donations
All teachings are offered completely free of charge. However, those who feel inspired to help support Harmony Woods in offering the retreat may do so on their website. Additionally, those who wish to contribute towards Clear Mountain may do so by visiting the Friends of Clear Mountain website. 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. Photos of in-person or Zoom attendees may be used in Clear Mountain social posts.