Daily Life as a Spiritual Practice: Foundations of Awareness
with David Berry
August 20-25

Part 1: Afternoon Tuesday, August 20th to Friday August 23rd after lunch
Part 2: Afternoon Friday, August 23rd to Sunday, August 25th after lunch
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From birth until we die, we are immersed in a stream of experiences we call daily life. In that stream, we can develop calm, awareness, and increased capacity to respond to challenges rather than react. We can transcend impediments and contribute to our well-being and that of others. On these retreats, we work with

• traditional Dharma practices,

• Christian contemplative practices David used at Stift Goettwieg – a 900 year-old Benedictine abbey in Austria,

• insightful and useful tools developed by Namgyal Rinpoche and others.

• The Dalai Lama says his religion is kindness. Such qualities make up the Prajna Paramita: “The Great Wisdom that Goes Beyond” — an elegant, impactful teaching that David will share during the retreat.

David studied with Namgyal Rinpoche beginning in 1971 and traveled with him to Antarctica, the Arctic, and scuba diving in Indonesia. He was ordained in 2003 and is a past president and chair of the Dharma Centre. For twenty years David performed ceremonies at the Prayer Vigil for the Earth he co-founded on the National Mall in Washington DC.

In addition to retreats, his spiritual work is woven into his talks and facilitating. He teaches and gives talks in the US, Europe, Mexico, Canada, and South America. He was invited to the Russian Academy of Science four times to speak on spirituality and sustainability.

David co-founded the Sustainable Water Resources Roundtable where government, companies and NGO’s work on water resources. He worked at Resources Canada and at the White House Council on Environmental Quality chairing groups on Sustainable Development Indicators and on Industrial Ecology which he founded. The groups under David’s leadership, raised awareness of environmental, social and economic trends, and encouraged creative action.
In the 1970s and 80s, David performed on Korean and American television and radio including on National Public Radio’s "The Prairie Home Companion."

Important Details:

When:
Tuesday, August 20th to Sunday, August 25th with the option to attend only Part 1 (afternoon Tuesday, August 20th to Friday, August 23rd after lunch) or Part 2 (afternoon Friday, August 23rd to Sunday, August 25th after lunch) or both Part 1 and Part 2. Please plan to arrive between 3-5pm. The retreat will begin with a property orientation at 5:30pm followed by a light supper and the first evening class and will finish after lunch on the final day.

Rates:
Non-members: $550.00 (Part 1: $330 / Part 2: $220)
Members: $475.00 (Part 1: $285 / Part 2: $190)

Rates include:
Single accommodation and all meals. They do not include instructor fees. David is sharing his experience within the traditional Buddhist understanding of Dana. To understand more about Dana, please read the following:

What is Dana?
Teachers give the teachings of awakening (Dharma) freely so that anyone, no matter their financial means can attend classes. Each time one receives teachings, it is an opportunity to consciously practice generosity. Giving money and other means of support expresses gratitude and support to the teacher and helps to ensure that these teachings continue. Each person receiving Dharma teachings determines the kind and amount of Dāna according to one’s heart and one’s financial means. When deciding how much to offer, one should think about what these teachings mean to you and try to give accordingly. It is recommended that students make an offering of dāna at the beginning of a class or retreat to establish the intention to make the most of this opportunity for one’s own progression and for the benefit of all others.

Deposit:
A 50% deposit is required to hold your space upon registration.

Cancellation policy:
Refund 7 days before the commencement of the course 75% with 25% going towards a future course within 2019.
Refund 2 days before the commencement of the course 50% with 35% going towards a future course within 2019.