Concentration is one of the 5 strengths of Buddhist practice (along with faith, energy, mindfulness and wisdom). How concentrated is your mind?

Join InsightLA Senior Teacher Melissa McKay for a non-residential weekend retreat devoted to developing concentration and thereby, a steady and peaceful mind.

A Steady, Peaceful Mind

Our minds aren’t naturally concentrated.  It takes intention and practice to develop concentration as a habit of mind.  Doing so brings great benefit to our efforts in the world.  When our attention is focused versus scattered our work is more effective, our creative capacity broadens and deepens, we listen better and feel more connected and at ease in our life.  

Concentration also benefits our spiritual development.  When the mind is concentrated, the negativity of the mind is held at bay, making us serene, tranquil, joyful, and able to see more clearly.  A concentrated mind is quiet, clear and luminous, ripe for blissful states of consciousness.

Who is this retreat for?

This non-residential retreat is for anyone who would like to work on developing concentration, tranquility, joy, and bliss. We will learn about the 40 different concentration objects that the Buddha taught.

Expect both sitting and walking meditation practices, dharma talks, and space for optional sharing and discussion. 

Participants are welcome to sign up for one or both days of this retreat. The schedule is as follows: 

Friday:
6-7:30pm  Introduction and Talk
7:30-7:45  Stretch
7:45-8:30 Meditation

Saturday and Sunday:
6-6:45am  Optional meditation at home
6:45-8    Breakfast at home
8:30-9:30   Guided meditation
9:30-10:15  Walking meditation
10:15-11    Sitting meditation
11-11:30  Walking meditation
11:30-1pm   Lunch and rest
1-2     Sitting meditation
2-2:45  Walking meditation 
2:45- 3:30  Sitting meditation
3:30- 4  Tea and optional talking
4-5   Questions and Discussion
5-9  Optional home practice on Saturday night