The Soul of the Practice :

Peace, Compassion and Understanding

Urban Retreat for People of Color

with the monastic community of Blue Cliff Monastery, Pine Bush, NY

“We are not noble by our race,

but by our way of thinking, acting and speaking.

Nobility comes from our thoughts

that have understanding and compassion.

We are noble by our way of life.”

- Thich Nhat Hanh, speaking on the Four Noble Truths during the Colors of

Compassion Retreat, Deer Park Monastery, Escondido, CA, March 27, 2004

22 M A Y 2010 PROGRAM

At New York Insight Meditation Center

9:00 ‐ 10:00 registration

10:00 ‐ 10:15 welcome remarks

10:15 ‐ 10:45 guided sitting meditation

10:45 ‐ 11:00 mindful movements

11:00 ‐ 11:45 Dharma talk by Blue Cliff Monastery monastic member

12:00 ‐ 12:45 outdoor walking meditation

1:00 ‐ 1:30 mindful lunch

1:45 ‐ 2:30 guided deep relaxation

2:30 ‐ 3:30 Q and A

3:30 ‐ 4:15 Dharma sharing circle

4:15 ‐ 4:30 closing remarks

RSVP to Nina at ncteng@gmail.com

Participants are encouraged to bring their own vegetarian lunch. The suggested donation for the day is $15.

Dana/generosity for the monastic community will also be welcome and appreciated.

[For more information see below]

This People of Color retreat, in the tradition of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, is the first one in New York City. It is for people of Native‐American, African, Latino/a, Asian/Pacific Islander, Caribbean and Middle Eastern ancestry. The retreat offers an opportunity in the midst of an urban setting to practice and enjoy the art of mindfulness and peaceful living. We will learn to recognize and embrace our pain in transformative ways, find peace within ourselves, and foster stronger sisterhood and brotherhood in our communities.

We will also learn to stop, rest, and touch the source of wisdom, compassion and healing within ourselves, so that we can renew our relationships and bring peace and understanding to our world. Through the practice of mindfulness, we can nourish happiness, gratitude, good communication and

serenity in ourselves and others.

There will be sitting, walking, eating meditations, mindful movement,

mindful group discussion, deep relaxation, and a dharma talk by a monastic member of Blue Cliff Monastery.

Some questions that we will explore:

• How can we cultivate a centered life in an urban environment?

• How can we, as People of Color, live with faith, joy, creativity and compassion?

• How can mindfulness enhance our ability to relate to others?