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VISITING OUR CENTER
[ Directions ] [ Arrival & Departure Days ] [ Sample Schedule ] [ Transportation ] [ What to Bring ] [ REGISTRATION FORMS ]
SAMPLE RETREAT
SCHEDULE
During your stay
at the GMDC, we encourage you to practice and observe the
monastic way of life. Since the teachings emphasize practicing with the Sangha in order to enjoy its collective energy, retreatants are encouraged
to participate fully in all scheduled activities. Retreatants are invited to
help in communal activities, such as preparing meals, general cleaning,
washing dishes etc. as a way of continuing mindfulness practice while
performing everyday tasks.
The daily sample
schedule will be as follows:
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5:00 a.m.
6:00 a.m.
8:00 a.m.
9:00 a.m.
11:15 a.m.
12:30 p.m.
after lunch
3:30 p.m.
5:15 p.m.
6:00 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
9:30 p.m.
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Wake up
Sitting Meditation / Chanting
Breakfast
Mindful Work (Chores around the monastery) or Monastic Classes
Walking Meditation
Lunch
Rest / Personal Time
Sitting Meditation & Chanting
Exercise & Sports Time
Dinner
Personal Study or Misc. Classes
Noble Silence |
Since the
teachings emphasize practicing with the Sangha in order to enjoy its
collective energy, retreatants are encouraged to participate fully in all
scheduled activities. We also ask our guests to observe the Five Wonderful
Mindfulness Trainings, and thus to refrain from smoking and drinking
alcohol. Please do not bring non-vegetarian foods or alcoholic beverages to
our practice center.
One day per week
is Lazy Day, when there are no scheduled activities and the
bells are only invited to announce meal times. Lazy Day is an opportunity to
let the day unfold in a natural way while still maintaining mindfulness.
People can enjoy making a picnic with friends, taking a walk, reading a
book, or just relaxing and enjoying the day in mindfulness within the
retreat boundaries. Meditation halls may be used for purposes other than
meditation only with specific permission.
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