What does it means to live mindfully? How do we bring more calm and inner clarity into our daily lives? How can we stay confident and purposeful when times get rough? This gentle introductory retreat is open to all, especially those with no prior experience with meditation or Buddhism.

We will explore the Buddha’s teachings on mindfulness in a down-to-earth, practical way through meditation, discussion, and hands-on exercises. We’ll also investigate how to live with greater awareness and contentment with ourselves, and in turn, how to live in harmony with the world around us. There will be detailed instruction for those who are new to meditation, and periods of silent practice for those with experience.

About the leaders:

Sunada

Sunada was ordained in 2004 and given her name, which means “beautiful, excellent sound”. It’s a reflection not only of her love of music, but also of spreading the beautiful teachings of the dharma. Sunada lives in the Boston area, where she teaches classes in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, and coaches individual clients in living more mindful, purposeful lives (www.mindfulpurpose.com).

Viriyalila

Viriyalila, whose name means “playful, spontaneous, creative energy in pursuit of the Good,” has been been meditating and practicing Buddhism since 1994. Ordained into the Triratna Buddhist Order in 2005, she has a passion for collaborative organizational teamwork and has served on a variety of councils at local, national and international levels including Aryaloka and Portsmouth Buddhist Centers, she helped form the North American Triratna Assembly, and served as movement representative on the Triratna International Council. She has a passion for the arts, communication, and Dharma study along with her livelihood as an Acupuncturist and Chinese Herbalist.