Origin of the Enlightenment Intensive
Charles Berner
The Retreat was inspired by three unique self awareness practices fused together by Charles Berner in 1968. Two of them are ancient and Eastern ways and the third is a newer Western approach.
Zen Sesshin
A Zen sesshin is a self awareness retreat that has been practiced for over 3000 years. It originally came from China before it migrated to Japan where it became popular in the 12th Century. Today, it is still used and practiced in Japan and around the world. The Enlightenment Intensive Retreat borrowed certain elements from the ancient sesshin, notably the use of a 'koan.' A koan is a riddle-like question to help a meditator focus and penetrate into the absolute truths of life. Hundreds have been developed over the years. "What is the sound of one hand clapping" and "What was your face before you were born," are two well known koans. The practice of contemplating on a 'koan isn't concerned with philosophy, ideas or religion, but with direct experiencing.
Ramana Maharshi
The Enlightenment Intensive Retreat makes use of the koan, 'who am I.' This riddle like question is a yoga meditation that dates back 10,000 years. Its modern proponent, Ramana Maharshi, lived a simple life in India. He taught during the first part of the 20th Century inspiring a constant stream of local and international visitors who sought his company and spiritual guidance. His guidance was always the same. "Seek to know yourself. Practice self inquiry by asking yourself, 'who am I' then you will know everything."
Relating Dyads
Dyad is a Greek word that means 'two'. A relating dyad is two people who work together to bring about a complete communication through openness and focused listening. This powerful process of relating is the fuel that accelerates the effects of these ancient enlightenment practices.
Reference http://www.selffoundation.com/
The Enlightenment Intensive
Have you ever thought...
Who am I, really???
There must be more to life???
Have you ever longed for a deeper connection to others???
Then you don't want to miss this residential retreat dedicated to self discovery. Together, utilizing a simple yet profound technique, we will clear our minds and remove long held obstacles and barriers to peace and self realization.
By letting go of the external search for happiness for this long weekend we allow the technique to open and prepare us for the possibility of experiencing our true nature directly. Experiencing the authentic self we reconnect to the eternal happiness, contentment, and peace within.
The Retreat environment is a supportive, focused, intense and self empowering sacred space that softens what is ridged and inflexible in our body, mind and feelings. It awakens and enlivens openness, trust, joy, acceptance, love and understanding.
Upcoming Enlightenment Intensives at Vital Life Center
"The Enlightenment Intensive is a process that may highlight one's own habitual mental obstacles to peace and self-realization - and so may be challenging. The process supports a natural, gentle insight and surrender of these obstacles that allows a radical, joyful transformation of consciousness."
~ Paul Weiss, Enlightenment Master
This is a residential monastic style retreat. For this long weekend prepare to leave the outside world behind and delve into yourself.
January
Begins: Thursday, January 13th, 6:30pm
Completes: Monday, January 17th, 11am
Cost: $410 or $385 by December 15th ($365 for returning participants by Dec 15th)
Cost Includes Gourmet Vegetarian Meals, Snacks, Lodging, Workshop, & Integration
Some work exchange opportunities available
Space is Limited - Call Mare @ 860.479.0466 to Register Today
April
Dates to be announced
