An open heart is a free heart. What would it feel like to move through the world free from negativity, ill-will, or habitual reactivity to your likes and dislikes? Join Senior Teacher Melissa McKay for a non-residential weekend metta retreat. Cultivate a more expansive heart, and free yourself from the resistance and aversion that causes us pain.
What is Metta?
Metta is a Pali word which is often translated as loving kindness, benevolence, friendliness or goodwill. It is a powerful mindstate we can harness to free the mind of negativity for a life of greater happiness and ease. Metta meditation is a heart-opening form of meditation in which we send loving kindness to ourselves and others, typically in the form of a wish.
Who is this retreat for?
This retreat is for anyone who is ready to cultivate compassion as a means of freeing the mind from pain and suffering. 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. Expect to spend most of your time in silence, alternating between periods of sitting and walking meditation, cultivating Metta.
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 by clicking on the link in the sidebar. As a non-residential retreat, participants will return home Friday and Saturday evening.
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)
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’s calmness and clarity of speech is so soothing and inspirational to me. The teachings flow from her so naturally, it is really beautiful to witness.”
-Anonymous Student
Register Now
This retreat is good for beginners or more experienced students. You are welcome to participate from early morning until late evening or you can practice just when onsite.
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).
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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.
