THE FIVE REMEMBRANCES
I am of the nature to grow old. There is no way to escape growing old. I am of the nature to have ill health. There is no way to escape ill health. I am of the nature to die. There is no way to escape death. All that is dear to me and everyone I love are of the nature to change. There is no way to escape being separated from them. My actions are my only true belongings. I cannot escape the consequences of my actions. My actions are the ground upon which I stand.
At Red Clay Sangha, we begin the Full Moon Precepts Service with chanting the Five Remembrances. We all know that change is inevitable from our daily life experience. The Five Remembrances are facts of life, yet they are some of the most difficult aspects of our human condition.
The Buddha suggested practicing with these Five Remembrances daily. They are messengers that reiterate the Four Noble Truths of Buddhist teachings: there is suffering, there is a cause of suffering, there is way to end suffering, and that way is in our relationship with what is present here and now. These phrases invite deep contemplation of impermanence and illuminate how we can live fully with joy, compassion, and deep appreciation for the experience of being human.
This retreat will explore our experience with these five truths. We will practice to understand and respond to the suffering of change, in a wholesome and compassionate way. We will investigate what is helpful and liberative in the deep knowing and wise meeting impermanence.
The framework of this investigation is the practice of Insight Dialogue, a relational meditative practice developed by Gregory Kramer and the Insight Dialogue Community.
Please use the following link for more information about Insight Dialogue: https://insightdialogue.org/relational-practices/insight-dialogue/.
Marsha Lawson is a recognized teacher for the Insight Dialogue Community. She has been practicing with and studying the wisdom teachings of the Buddha since 2009. Marsha started practicing and facilitating Insight Dialogue at about that same time, noticing with interest that Insight Dialogue practice directly addresses suffering and release in relationship with others. Marsha is committed to the investigation internally, and with others, of releasing suffering and cultivating joy, friendship, and compassion. Influential teachers include Christina Feldman, John Peacock, Mu Soeng, Leigh Brasington, Jan Surrey, Rodney Smith, and Gregory Kramer.
Katie Rhodes is a member of Red Clay Sangha where she serves as a teacher, a member of the Elder's Council, and facilitates a monthly Insight Dialogue Practice group. She has been a Buddhist practitioner for over 30 years, primarily in the Insight/Vipassana tradition. She uses mindfulness-based cognitive approaches in her work as a psychotherapist. She has a doctorate in clinical social work. Katie began practicing with Insight Dialogue in 2023. She is a member of the Northeast Insight Dialogue Teaching cohort where Marsha is her mentor.
Questions? Please email Katie Rhodes
What to expect
The retreat will have periods for individual silent meditation, guided meditation, and relational practice with a partner and in groups, and mindful movement. All are welcome, no previous experience with meditation or with Insight Dialogue are required.
Please plan to stay for the full retreat.
Dana
This retreat will be on Zoom
To attend the session online: Click here to join. Alternatively go to https://zoom.us/, click the links to enter a meeting, and enter meeting ID 971-373-141 and password 879550.
Schedule
A more detailed schedule will be provided by the end of December but the hours will probably be from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with an hour break for lunch.
A commitment to attend for the entire day is required and appreciated.
Questions or More Information?
