In this daylong meditation retreat, we’ll explore the power of mantra through chanting and bowing as a way to connect with the boundless compassion that resides in each of us and is a powerful antidote to the effects of these troubled times. We’ll invoke the Bodhisattva archetype of Kuan Yin, she who listens to the cries of the world with ease and her relative Avalokiteshvara who has 1,000 arms, each with various implements to heal the world, such as an eye to see what needs to be done, medicine, a sword to cut through bondage or a sutra. The chants will be a combination of Mayana Chants from the lineage of Master Hsuan Hua and Theravadin Monastic chants from the Thai Forest Tradition of Ajahn Chah, both passed down to us by Thanissara & Kittasaro.
Mantra connects us to a lineage of 1,000’s of years of spiritual practitioners. Just as we can feel supported by others practicing in the room, we can – through recitation of ancient texts – be supported by those who came before us, across time and continents. With practice, chanting vibrationally returns the heart-mind to it’s original nature of brightness. It is considered by our teachers to be the healing part of the practice.
In addition to periods of chanting, we’ll practice sitting meditation and walking meditation, and also have a period for Qi Gong and some time for Q&A and Dharma discussion.
Open to anyone – no prior experience needed. One’s ability or lack thereof to sing is not relevant to this daylong.
Please bring a brown bag lunch and any snacks you may want. There will be a refrigerator and microwave on site. There is a Mexican restaurant called Tacos Por Favor just a few doors down from InsightLA that is another option for lunch.
