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The Earth as Our Teacher: Gateways to the Heart
An Insight Meditation Retreat
October 9-14, 2015, 5 days – Friday dinner – Wednesday lunch
Weekend-only option: October 9-11, Friday dinner – Sunday lunch (limited number available; priority
will be given to 5-day signups until we reach a minimum of 12)
Teacher: Susie Harrington
At the Great Space Center at the foot of Lone Pine Peak above Lone Pine, California
Meditating outside, resting in the sacred container of contemplative silence and the natural
world, we will explore the inner beauty of our own hearts. The qualities of loving-kindness,
compassion, joy and equanimity were emphasized by the Buddha as beautiful states of
heart and mind to be cultivated in meditation practice. Supported by the nearby Sierra
Nevada mountains and spacious wildness surrounding the Great Space Center, this Insight
Meditation retreat will emphasize relaxation of the body, opening to nature, and
spaciousness of mind, as gateways to the qualities of the heart. Our exploration will
included sitting and walking practice – primarily outside, dharma talks, meetings with the
teacher, and individual time in nature. This retreat is suitable for those new to practice and
those with experience.
Weather:
The weather in the Sierra is usually fairly mild during October. In the Owens Valley at
elevations of about 4,200 feet the average daily highs during October are 76°F (ranging
from 60-80°F) and the average lows are 37°F. It is possible, but not likely, that we could
have rain or even snow (extremely unlikely), and wind is always a possibility. Weather can
change quickly.
Retreat Site and Accomodations:
The Great Space Center is located at the foot of Lone Pine Peak above the town of Lone Pine
California at an elevation of about 5,800 feet above sea level. It was the home of Franklin
Merrell Wolff, a philosopher, mathematician, mystic, and spiritual teacher until his death in
1985. The site includes a rustic ranch house that offers indoor meeting facilities in case of
inclement weather, a campsite with a limited number of low cost camping options (outdoor
shower and porta potty), and several houses with indoor sleeping accommodations at an
additional cost (shared rooms, indoor showers and toilets). For more information on the
Great Space Center go to: http://www.franklinmerrell-wolff.com/educate/the-great-space-center/.
Food:
Food will be vegetarian, organic and local where possible, wholesome, and plentiful. There
will be protein in the form of nuts, eggs, beans, seeds, nut butters, and cheese available at
meals. There will be non-dairy and gluten-free options for those who are lactose or gluten
intolerant (please specify when you register). There will be hot water for drinks, fruit, and
simple snacks available at all times. The retreat cost includes all meals, and a cook who will
prepare healthy vegetarian food in the main house kitchen with preparation, serving, and
clean-up help from retreat participants.
Dana and Retreat Cost
The Buddha asked that the teaching of the Dharma be offered freely, without charge, since
it is of infinite value, and beyond any price that could be put on it. The traditions of ‘Dana’,
or mutual giving, has supported Buddhist cultures for 2500 years. In Asia, the monks and
nuns offer the teaching, and the lay people support the monastery and fill the monks’
begging bowls each morning as they walk through the village on alms rounds. It is a
beautiful exchange, in which the hearts of both giver and receiver are opened in joy and
gratitude, and love flows between them. In accordance with that tradition, the teacher,
Susie, is offering her teachings, time, and service. The retreat fee just covers the retreat
costs: food, cook, retreat center costs, administrative costs, teacher travel costs, and other
incidental expenses. After the retreat, there is the opportunity for participants to practice
generosity in offering financial support to Susie to continue living and teaching the Dharma,
and a tip for the cook. It will be warmly and gratefully received.
Creating the Retreat Container
Precepts
We will undertake to follow the five traditional lay precepts of non-harming during our time
together.
1. To refrain from killing and from other actions that harm oneself or others
2. To refrain from stealing, from taking anything not freely given.
3. To refrain from sexual activity during the retreat.
4. To refrain from lying and from harsh, abusive or damaging speech, or from
unnecessarily breaking silence.
5. To refrain from consuming alcohol, illegal drugs, or other intoxicants that will
unnecessarily cloud our awareness during retreat.
Noble Silence
Meditation retreats are traditionally silent, both to deepen our practice and as a refuge. All
yogis will have the opportunity for interviews individually or as a group with Susie. To help
maintain silence and support your own practice, please leave all buzzers, cell-phones, ipods
etc. in the car or at home. If there are issues concerning a yogi job or personal needs,
these questions should be directed to Susie.
Work Meditation
This is our opportunity to both integrate our practice and to serve the community – our
Sangha. Each person will be asked to participate in a daily ritual of either meal prep, cleanup, or with other shared need. Participants will sign up for these work meditations when we
arrive at the retreat location.
Retreat Details:
Directions to Lone Pine and the Great Space Center
Lone Pine, California is located on Highway 395 in the southern Owens Valley. The nearest
airports are in Mammoth Lakes, Las Vegas, or various airports in the Los Angeles area. To
reach the Great Space Center from Highway 395 in Lone Pine, turn west at the stop light
(towards the Sierra Nevada mountains) on Whitney Portal Road. Follow Whitney Portal
Road for about 3.1 miles. Turn left (south) on Horseshoe Meadows Road. Follow Horseshoe
Meadows Road for a little over 2 miles. Turn right (west) on Granite View Drive and stay on
Granite View Drive until you see signs that will lead you to the Great Space Center which
you will see within 2.8 miles. Follow the signs to the Great Space Center. Susie asks that all
retreat participants lodge at the Great Space Center rather than camping off-site or renting
a motel room in Lone Pine.
Arrival
Friday, October 9, 2015, check-in begins 2:00 pm
Departure
Wednesday, October 14, 2015 1:00 pm (or Sunday evening for weekend retreat)
What to Bring
 day pack - large enough for your sitting items, extra clothing and snacks/water
 whatever you need to sit and meditate comfortably outside
 small tarp & light pad large enough to not only sit on, but to lie down on the ground on
 sleeping bag (if you are camping in a tent this should be a 20°F bag or warmer)
 sleeping pad (if you are tent camping)
 tent (if you are tent camping)
 towel
 personal toiletries, soap and medications (a pharmacy is available in Lone Pine but
participants are requested not to leave the retreat center except for emergencies)
 layered clothing for walking and practicing outside (including long underwear, shorts,
lightweight pants, shirt for sun protection, shawl or blanket for early meditation)
 fleece jacket
 down jacket
 wool hat
 sun hat
 raingear – tops and bottoms
 sunglasses
 sunscreen
 journal (optional)
 watch or clock with alarm (not your cell phone which is best left out of sight) for
wakeups and use on longer free periods
 flashlight or headlamp and extra batteries
 2 one quart water bottles
 good walking shoes and socks
 walking poles (if you use them)
 lightweight comfortable shoes
 thermarester or crazy creek chair – highly recommended for sitting on the ground
 (optional) your own cup, plate, bowl and eating utensils
 (optional) instant coffee, personal beverage/snacks, and/or electrolyte drink powder
It is likely that some part of each day will be spent walking, and one day we may walk for
several miles up a nearby trail with several hundred feet of elevation gain.