To see clearly is to see things as they are, absent of our judgments and stories. When we see clearly, we shed negativity and stress and live more freely.
Join Senior Teacher Melissa McKay for a non-residential weekend vipassana retreat. Cultivate tranquility and clear inner seeing by spending time in silence, alternating between periods of sitting and walking meditation.
About Vipassana
Vipassana is an ancient, transformative meditation technique. Through self-observation, deep insight arises. In Vipassana, we focus attention on the body and mind, observing sensations and the movement of energy as it arises, then dissipates again.
Among the many benefits of Vipassana is the cultivation of inner peace and clarity. To see clearly is to see things, including ourselves, as they truly are.
Who is this retreat for?
This weekend retreat is for anyone who is ready to deepen their meditation practice and live with greater lucidity and therefore, ease.
Suitable for all levels, this non-residential weekend experience is a good opportunity for those who would like to learn more about intensive retreat practice.
Where is this event located?
This event will take place in-person at the Benedict Canyon Retreat House. Find directions, information on what to bring and more at the link. As a non-residential retreat, participants will return home Friday and Saturday evening.
About Melissa McKay
Melissa McKay has been practicing meditation since the mid 1990’s. She has trained in Vipassana (insight, mindfulness) meditation and metta meditation in Burma and the United States.
Her first retreat was with Sayadaw U Pandita. The profound changes she saw in herself gave her a strong faith and dedication to the practice. She continues to attend intensive meditation retreats yearly and has trained for over 10,000 hours. Learn more about Melissa here.
“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)
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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)
In keeping with the principles of the dharma that underlies all of our activities, primarily non-harming, we are requiring that all attendees be fully vaccinated in order to attend any in-person event. Please read the Benedict Canyon location page for notes on parking (there is limited parking and carpooling is strongly encouraged – click Signup to the left).
Max Capacity: 35
Masks: Optional (all attendees are fully vaccinated).
Exciting news! InsightLA is running a Food Bank Program to offer our community the opportunity to support the Westside Food Bank and help folks dealing with low income living and/or experiencing houselessness. To participate please click here.
