Be True, Be Beautiful
Awareness and Focus Can Empower
Retreat for Teens ages 13-19
June 18-22

Together we will examine what it means to be true to ourselves and to be truly beautiful. We shall look deeply at the forces that move us during this period of growth, such as the need for independence and self-determination, the concern for relationships with our peers, our parents and ourselves, the discovery of newfound feelings and emotions, and many others. We will explore these new influences in light of our true freedom and happiness and learn practices that can help us nourish this freedom and happiness- practices such as self-awareness (of feelings, of body, of behavior, of thinking), concentration (focus), and deep communication. Other practices will include: meditative practices (sitting, walking & eating), deep communication (silence, speaking, and listening), body
care (yoga, Khi Cong stick), and creative expressions (art, music, group games and writing). Participants are asked to attend the whole of the retreat. For parents and younger siblings- please attend the Family Retreat,
where there will be a program for children and adults.
No exceptions.

Registration is now available ONLINE, or download registration forms in Word or PDF.

Me and My Family
The Art of Being Together
Family Retreat for all loved ones.
July 2-6

We are like flowers. We need to tend to ourselves and our loved ones like caring for flowers in the garden. Our freshness and true presence is the most precious gift that we can offer to our fathers, mothers, and siblings. We shall learn to look at each other in this way and learn ways to nourish and protect each other’s “flower-ness”. This freshness is a quality of freedom and happiness and it is the best that we can offer to our loved ones. We shall learn how to revitalize our body and mind through the practice of meditation, of total relaxation, of letting go, and of taking refuge in nature. We shall learn the practice of “selective watering” in terms of the practice of Right Diligence, and of “flower watering” in terms of the practice of Beginning Anew. How can we be there and be fresh for our parents, siblings, sons and daughters? How can we protect our respect and appreciation of one another?
With the practice of mindfulness as the base, we shall
learn to practice deep listening and loving speech to
nourish true harmony within our families. During this retreat, we shall learn to practice together as an extended family and how to support each other at home, in the work place, and in school. At times, the parents and children will be together and at other times, they practice separately. It is a precious chance for the whole family to be in a practice setting and learn new ways of being with one another.

* Single adults and couples without children are welcome to attend. We encourage both parents to join the whole duration of the retreat with their children. No partial attendance.

Registration is now available ONLINE, or download registration form in Word or PDF.

Healing Self, Healing Earth
An Exploration into our Five Skandhas
5-Day Retreat at the YMCA of the Rockies, CO
August 20-24 (revised dates)

Join the monks and nuns for a mindfulness retreat in the majestic natural setting of the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. We will practice coming back to ourselves, to nourish our relationships and welcome joy, love and peace into our daily lives as a means and ends to healing the planet. We will study the Buddhist teaching on the Five Skandhas, namely: body, feelings, perceptions, mental formations, and consciousness, as they relate to our freedom and happiness, as they relate to our work of protecting the Earth. Practices of healing – mindful breathing, mindful walking, silent meals, total relaxation, touching the earth – will also be shared.

To register for this retreat, please download registration form in Word or PDF.

My Family Tree
Tending to Our Roots and Our Fruits
5-Day Vietnamese Retreat at Deer Park
September 10-14

Harmony and communication within the family will be the focus during this retreat. The retreat will be held inVietnamese, but translation will also be available.