Overcoming Grief: Buddhist teachings and meditations to deal with despair

A DHARMAKAYA CENTER RETREAT

Loved ones die. Relationships end. Health falters. Dreams and goals become permanently unattainable. Loss is central to the human experience—and its natural result is grief, anger and even despair. It can feel overwhelming; breaking free and moving forward may feel impossible. Yet, sometimes, the ache we feel in our hearts holds a sacred wisdom, patiently waiting for us to listen. And sometimes, the easing of the heart comes from simply naming and accepting your losses. Join us for a weekend retreat in which we explore how to hold painful experiences with acceptance, mindfulness, and self-compassion; release painful thoughts and feelings; and find a tender kindness for yourself amidst all that hurts.

“Gary was wonderful and provided me with many skills for finding inner peace. I am so happy to have arrived at this comforting and supportive place.”

BRING A FRIEND DISCOUNT: Do you know someone who would like this program, but hasn’t been to the Center? Bring them, and you both get a 10% discount on your entire program package. For the discount to apply, there must be two reservations, at least one of whom has not taken a Dharmakaya Center class previously. At checkout, apply the Discount Code: BringAFriend. May not be combined with other discounts.  

SCHOLARSHIPS: Partial scholarships may be available for this program. Please write retreats@dharmakayacenter.org for more information.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

At its core, grief stems from the loss of a person or idea to which we are attached—and in Buddhist philosophy, attachment is viewed as the root of suffering. To counteract it, there are teachings and practices that help transform grief into compassion, cultivate resilience and vitality, promote healing. Over the course of the weekend, we will explore:

• Mindfulness: Mindfulness helps us to observe grief and anger as they arise, without judgment or resistance. By simply noticing what we’re feeling—whether it’s sadness, rage, or frustration—we allow the emotions to exist without becoming overwhelmed by them. We begin to see that grief and anger are not permanent states, but transient experiences that come and go, enabling us to respond rather than react to them.
• Loving-Kindness: Transforming Anger into compassion: In loving-kindness meditation, we cultivate goodwill and kindness towards ourselves and others. This practice involves silently repeating phrases such as “May I be happy, may I be healthy, may I be safe,” and then extending those wishes to loved ones, strangers, and even people with whom we have difficulty. By opening ourselves to loving-kindness, we begin to heal our own wounds and foster a sense of inner peace. Extending that kindness to others, including those who have wronged us, can dissolve the barriers of resentment and pave the way for forgiveness and understanding. This doesn’t mean we condone harmful actions, but rather that we free ourselves from the burden of carrying anger.
• Impermanence: Impermanence is the understanding that all things, including our emotions, are in constant flux; truly understanding impermanence helps us to acknowledge that while grief and anger are natural and valid experiences, they do not define us. They are simply part of the ebb and flow of life. When we recognize that nothing is permanent, we can find the courage to let go of attachment to suffering and embrace the potential for growth, change, and healing.
• Karma and the Practice of Gratitude: The lens through which we view the world helps create the reality we experience, and we can break out of cycles of pessimism and despair by paying attention to what’s going right. Even in the midst of pain and confusion, we can remain open to the positive—and to all that is possible.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

• Intimate setting with personal access to the teacher
• Interactive sessions with question and answer periods
• Personal and guided meditation sessions, sitting and walking meditation
• Gentle yoga
• Delicious all-vegetarian meals with locally sourced ingredients
• Option to extend stay on Personal Retreat
• Extensive library of dharma books
• Expansive wooded grounds with beautiful flora and fauna

OPEN TO ALL

There are no prerequisites for this program; it is appropriate for anyone wrestling with grief and other debilitating emotions.

SCHEDULE

(subject to change)

Friday, November 7

Saturday, November 8

Sunday, November 9