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“KEEP CALMLY KNOWING CHANGE” ~ A summary of our entire practice of meditation, from master and scholar Bhikkhu Analayo For thousands of years, meditation masters throughout the world have told us that if we can tap into a deep, experiential knowledge of what is often called emptiness, or sunyata, we can understand the entirety of the Dharma, the whole thing – and discover the Maha-Sukha, the Great Bliss. And the good news is: this profound freedom isn’t far away, or unattainable – it can be tapped into in every moment, if we know how to look for it. Vipassana (Insight) meditation – the oldest form of Buddhist meditation practice – shows us how to do this. The root meaning of vipassana – “to see things as they are,” – means to know and experience our entire universe and everything in it as constantly and forever changing – including ourselves. During this 5-day meditation retreat, we’ll explore how we can use our practice to begin to “see things as they are,” and experience the profound joy and ease that can arise by letting go. Along with the crucial teachings of the 5 Remembrances, we’ll do this by deeply exploring and learning to accept and embody the 3 Truths of Life: impermanence (annica), suffering (dukkha), and interdependence, or no-self (annata). Our silent retreat together will include dharma talks, periods of both guided and silent meditation, walking meditation, Q&A sessions about these essential practices, and a special bonfire to end. Check-in will be from 4-6 p.m. Thursday, and the retreat will end at 12:45 p.m. Monday, followed by lunch. Some meditation experience might be helpful, but the practice and its teachings is applicable to all, and all are welcome. Nestled in a valley of unsurpassed natural beauty, and surrounded by the South Branch of the Potomac River, the sprawling, private campus at Peterkin offers a refuge of quiet, serenity, and peace amid the rush of our everyday lives. Located near historic Romney, WV, Peterkin boasts 1,400 acres of private forest with clean mountain streams and miles of hiking trails. It is about 60 minutes from Winchester, VA, and about 2 hours from Washington, D.C. There is also a beautiful outdoor yoga pavilion, 200-year-old poplar trees, walking paths right along the roaring creek, and a walk to The Falls. The exquisitely quiet meditation hall on campus sits right next to the creek, and is heated and air-conditioned, with unique screened windows that can open and close to allow both the silence and sounds of nature to be enjoyed while practicing.

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Venue

Peterkin Camp and Conference Center

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Since 1945, Peterkin Camp & Conference Center has been a center of life in the Diocese of West Virginia. Nestled in the Potomac Highlands of West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle, Peterkin sits on over 900 acres of unsurpassed natural beauty, with clean mountain streams and miles of hiking trails. Peterkin offers a refuge of serenity amid the stress and hectic pace of our everyday lives, a place that encourages us to relax and recenter.

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Garden

Towels

Housekeeping

Coffee / Tea

Kitchen

Tour Assistance

Free Parking

Shower

Bathroom

Meals

Meals provided

Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

Diets catered

Vegan · Vegetarian · Gluten-free · Dairy-free · Nut Allergy Friendly

The food service staff provides nutritious, delicious vegetarian meals, and special dietary needs can be accommodated with notification prior to the retreat.

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