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Embodying Buddhism: Somatic Mindfulness
August 11 - August 13, 2023
Aaron 'Water' Piepszny
Michael G. Burbank
Examining and practicing Buddha’s Foundations of Mindfulness, we will find connection and ease within the pristine natural environment of Menla. Exploring the Buddha’s words and teachings from the original source text, the Mahasatipatthana Sutra, we will find our own unique pathway of presence, relaxing in our bodies and with our breath. In the serene setting of the Catskills, we will connect our feeling bodies to the trees, earth, and streams, finding the wisdom and power of these elements illuminating our true nature. Rather than marathon meditation sessions, we will favor short bursts of depth explorations of breathing, relaxation, and awareness. We will then shorten these explorations with the goal of being able to access in body ease with no preparation or planning, just choice, in any moment of our lives. Menla’s Executive Director Michael Burbank will share an introduction to mindfulness practice as found in the original sutra Friday evening. Presencing with nature, grounded in Buddha’s Foundations of Mindfulness, we will commune with the powerful energies of the mountains, forest, and streams to explore our whole being. This immersive Gaian experience will foster rejuvenation, inspiration, and ease throughout our time together. We will refine our sensitivity through Chi Gung, awareness of breath, meditative walks, and sitting with the vital, living landscape of the Catskills.ScheduleFriday, August 11
ABOUT THE TEACHERs
Aaron 'Water' Piepszny
Aaron Water Piepszny’s bodily presencing is profound and palpable. He draws on 25 years of somatic awareness practices as a professional dancer and educator, Buddhist studies, meditation immersions, multiple Vipassana retreats, and a wide variety of Chi Gung schools and teachin...
Michael G. Burbank
Michael G. Burbank has been a student of Robert Thurman and HH the XIV Dalai Lama for over 25 years, since his undergraduate years at Columbia University. In February of 2002 he was invited to help the Thurmans and Tibet House start the newly acquired Menla retreat. Over the year...
MENLA
