Day Retreat: Remembering the Elements: Opening Beyond the Fixed Self
Saturday July 11, 10am to 4pm
The Buddha taught contemplation of the elements as a way of loosening our identification with a fixed and separate self. Letting go of who we think we are can feel risky, yet it also opens a doorway to remembering something more expansive and unbound within us.
Reflecting on the dynamic qualities of the elements, both inwardly and outwardly, can help us sense our participation in the vast unfolding of life through deep time. As we contemplate the elements, we may begin to imagine ourselves less as isolated beings and more as expressions of an interconnected process that is ancient, alive, and continually transforming.
Sangharakshita described this movement in terms of spiritual death and spiritual rebirth: the fading of narrow self-clinging and the emergence of a freer, more spacious way of being.
This practice day will explore the elements as a doorway to loosening fixed self-identification and opening to a deeper sense of connection, wonder, and participation in the living world.
Suitable for:
Some meditation experience and familiarity with the Dharma recommended
Practice environment:
Cushions, benches, chairs, and blankets are available. Please wear comfortable clothing and bring layers, as temperatures can vary.
Registration:
Please register in advance – see below. The suggested donation is $30 to $100, or whatever you can afford. No-one is turned away for lack of funds.
All donations support the running of the SFBC and help maintain a space for shared practice.
Care:
Please take care of yourself and others. If you are feeling unwell or have symptoms of a contagious illness, we ask that you do not attend.
Schedule / access:
Doors open 9:45am and close at 10am when the class begins. There will be a lunch break around 12:30 or 1pm.