This event is the in-person version of a hybrid retreat which will take place both in-person and online. To register for the online version of this event click here. Find directions, information on what to bring and more on this link.
The ancient Buddhist teaching of metta meditation is a training in discovering and harnessing this power of love.
Join Melissa McKay at the beautiful Benedict Canyon Retreat House for a non-residential, in-depth, two day exploration of this heart-based practice.
A Two Day Metta Retreat
The suttas say that by practicing metta we familiarize ourselves with the quality of loving-kindness. We personally experience its effect as it expands our hearts and minds and helps us overcome our fears and self-doubt.
Further, we gain faith and trust in loving-kindness as a truly helpful and powerful force that can help heal others, too. Metta liberates our own minds and. as the antidote for divisiveness and hatred, is the force we need to heal our society.
Who is this retreat for?
This metta retreat is for anyone who would like to experience the benefits of cultivating more open-heartedness, both for themselves and for others.
It is for anyone who is ready to commit a full day to exploring metta and what it truly means to live from the heart.
Everyone is welcome, regardless of previous meditation experience.
Schedule:
Friday:
6-7:30pm Introduction and Talk
7:30-7:45 Stretch
7:45-8:30 Meditation
Saturday and Sunday:
6-6:45am Meditation at home (optional)
6:45-8 Breakfast at home
8:30-9:30 Guided meditation
9:30-10:15 Walking meditation
10:15-11 Sitting meditation
11-11:30 Walking meditation
11:30-1pm Lunch and rest
1-2 Sitting meditation
2-2:45 Walking meditation
2:45- 3:30 Sitting meditation
3:30- 4 Tea and optional talking
4-5 Questions and Discussion
5-9 Continue practice at home (optional Saturday only)
Testimonials
“Melissa is one of the most experienced practitioners of the new generation of teachers.” -Jack Kornfield
“Melissa is so obviously immersed in the teachings and shares them with such grace and eloquence. She makes herself so accessible and genuinely cares about her students. I felt so held in the light of her awareness.” -Anonymous Student
“Melissa is a thoughtful teacher known for her deep care of students and skillfulness in making esoteric teachings accessible and relatable to modern day living.” -Lodro Rinzler (author and teacher)
Generosity/Dana
This is a dana retreat. The practice of giving donations/dana helps continue the ancient Buddhist monastic tradition of teaching on a dana basis – dana being the Pali word for generosity or giving freely.
Your contributions help teachers to lead a life devoted to teaching both at InsightLA and in other parts of the world, including communities without the means to donate. Your gifts also allow teachers to take time for their own practice, ensuring that their teachings are continuously enriched.
Suggested Donation: $185
