In the cherry blossom’s shade
there’s no such thing
as a stranger.
— Issa
Our Day of Mindfulness is a kind of “mindfulness urban retreat” where we take the opportunity to set aside a full day in order to nourish and nurture ourselves and each other through mindful discussion, meditation practice, deep relaxation and sharing a meal together in noble silence.
The Four Immeasurables, what the buddha called “the liberation of the heart,” offer teachings and practices that can encourage and cultivate unconditional love and regard for all beings. Also known as the four brahma-viharas, the four qualities of friendliness (metta), compassion (karuna), joy (mudita) and equanimity (upekkha) are the qualities of true, authentic, and unconditional love. There is nothing sentimental about unconditional love; it can be a fiercely strong and courageous refusal to self-isolate through our conditioned reactivity and fear. The Four Immeasurables is the love of the bodhisattva-warrior. Such a love will demand of us that we go beyond all that limits our expression of love, compassion and joy in the midst of the “full catastrophe” of life.
May 24, 2014
10am - 5pm
Centre for Mindfulness Studies
180 Sudbury St C2, Toronto, ON M6J 0A8
$65 Early-bird (until Apr 10) | $80 Regular
Day’s Schedule
10:00 – 10:15 AM: Opening of the retreat/Orientation
10:15 – 10:45 AM: 36 Prostrations followed by Sitting Meditation
10:45 – 12:00 PM: Metta and Karuna Discussion and Practice
12:00 – 12:45 PM: Silent Lunch*
12:45 – 1:00 PM Break
1:00 - 1:30 PM: Deep Relaxation
1:30 – 2:30 PM: Mudita Discussion and Practice
2:30 – 2:45 PM: Break
2:45 – 4:00 PM: Uppekha Discussion and Pracice
4:00– 5:00 PM: Wrapping Up Discussion, Final Meditation and Closing of the retreat
*Please bring a packed lunch in order to participate in the silent lunch together.
Frank Jude Boccio is a certified yoga teacher and a teacher of Zen Buddhism. His eclectic approach is influenced by his study of a variety of yoga approaches and many years of dharma practice. His book, Mindfulness Yoga: The Awakened Union of Breath, Body, and Mind is the first to apply the Buddha’s mindfulness meditation teachings to asana (physical yoga) practice. He recently contributed to a publication of essays on modern yoga practice, 21st Century Yoga: Culture, Politics and Practice. Based in Tucson, Arizona, he travels worldwide, leading workshops and retreats.
All proceeds support New Leaf’s yoga for youth programs.
TWITTER