As social beings our lives are inextricably interwoven. The Buddha emphasized the immense power of social harmony, spiritual friendship, and wise speech as factors conducive to awakening. During this weekend retreat, we will explore Dhamma teachings and relational practices that foster peace, clarity and compassion both internally and externally.
An integral part of this three day retreat will be the practice of Wise Speech, a skillful vehicle for expressing the Dhamma fully into our whole lives. We will study, contemplate and practice the Buddha’s teachings using Nonviolent Communication and Insight Dialogue to explore suffering and transformation on personal, interpersonal and social levels. These interpersonal practices bring the insight and tranquility of traditional Buddhist meditation into our interactions with others. Through an attentive weaving of dialogue practice, silent mindfulness and kindness meditation, mindful movement and time in nature, we will deepen the essential qualities that support living in this complex relational world with clarity, integrity and compassion.
Questions?
This event is being run by the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies. For any questions related to registration or scholarships, please email BCBS at contact@buddhistinquiry.org. For questions related to the content of this program or event, feel free to get in touch with us here instead. Please be sure to include the date and title of the event in your email!
ABOUT THE TEACHERS
Oren jay Sofer
Oren Jay Sofer teaches workshops and retreats on meditation and communication nationally. A member of the Spirit Rock Teachers Council, he holds a degree in Comparative Religion from Columbia University, is a Somatic Experiencing for healing of trauma, and is a certified trainer of Nonviolent Communication. Oren is also the author of Say What You Mean: A Mindful Approach to Nonviolent Communication.
Nolitha Tsengiwe
Nolitha is a Dharma teacher and board member at Dharmagiri Sacred Mountain Retreat Center, in SA that was founded by Kittisaro and Thanisara Weinberg. She has practiced since 1997 under Kittisaro and Thanissara, who are of Ajahn Chah ‘s lineage. In her first retreat with these beloved teachers she discovered silence as a refuge and has never looked back. Nolitha completed the Community Dharma leadership program (CDL4) under Spirit Rock in 2014 and is at present a teacher trainee with IMS. Nolitha is a Psychologist in private practice and is trained in Karuna ( Group psychotherapy based on Buddhist principles) and Somatic Experiencing (SE). She is an executive coach and facilitator in leadership development. She offers in SA under Dharmagiri Race Work for reconciliation using Insight Dialogue principles. She has recently been appointed by Spirit Rock as a mentor for the TTCP program.