The waitlist is open for residential registrations. Commuter tickets are still available
As we return to The Portinucula Center in Frankfort, Il, and an in-person retreat together, let’s honor two powerful strands of the path of awakening: samatha (settling, calming) and vipassanā (clear seeing, insight). The Buddha described them as twin messengers that bring awakening and liberation to the heart. Buddha spoke of them as “yoked together” in mutual strength for a path more powerful than one of the strands alone. Mindfulness supports both strands of path and is deepened by them. They blossom within the collected, composed mind.
This retreat provides a safe, quiet, and supportive environment for practicing sitting and walking meditation throughout the day. You will have time for your favorite approaches to settling and calming, and for inquiry and insight. Guidance, reflection, and teaching are offered by Santikaro, who will share from his almost forty years of exploring and sharing this path. Noble silence, simple living, absence of electronic devices, and The Port’s woods are conducive to practice.
Inevitably, as we enjoy each other’s company, we will also experience and reflect on the benefits of sangha. Please consider joining us in living sangha as we support and care for each other on the path.
Retreat Location and Details
This retreat will be held at the Portiuncula Center for Prayer in Frankfort, IL.
The Portiuncula Center for Prayer nestled in St. Francis Woods and rooted in the Franciscan tradition, is a sacred space of welcome for those seeking peace of mind, body, and spirit.
The retreat will begin at 10am on Thursday October 26, and end at 12noon on Sunday, October 29. Participants are welcome to stay for lunch at noon. Bring your own cushion/benches, yoga mats; chairs will be provided
About Santikaro
Santikaro studied with Ajahn Buddhadasa during the last nine years of his life, became his primary translator, and continues to share his "naturalist" approach to Buddha-Dhamma. Ordained as a Theravada Bhikkhu in 1985, Santikaro spent most of his monastic life at Suan Mokkh (southern Thailand). During this time, he led Dawn Kiam, a small monastic community for foreigners and was active among socially engaged Buddhists in Asia. He returned to the USA in 2000 and left monastic life in 2004 to found Kevala Retreat (then Liberation Park). His understanding of life has been enhanced by the Enneagram, feminism, cancer recovery, and trauma healing. He continues to teach nationally and internationally, and to translate the work of his teacher. He teaches Buddhism and meditation with an emphasis on the early Pali sources. He has led meditation retreats for more than thirty-five years, with a special fondness for mindfulness with breathing.
Read more about Kevala Retreat at www.kevalaretreat.org
Registration Fees
The cost for this residential retreat is as follows:
Single room: $450
Shared room: $400
Commuter: $300
Partial scholarships may be available for those who cannot afford the full fees. Contact events@insightchicago.org for information.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations up to 30 days before the retreat will be subject to a $100 cancellation fee. No refunds will be given within 30 days of the start of the retreat unless a participant can be found to take your place. Eventbrite fees are not refundable.
Reciprocal Support-Dana
In addition to the registration fee, teacher dana, “generosity,” is traditionally offered to the teacher at the end of the retreat. The Buddha’s teachings, sanghas of training and practice, places of practice, and practice resources involve the hard work of many people, technical skills, financial generosity, and an overall spirit of reciprocal service. As a participant in this retreat, in addition to the registration payment, we ask you to support Santikaro and Kevala Retreat in ways suitable to your means and abilities. The kindness of others has made this retreat possible; your help ensures that such activities continue. You can learn more about the practice of generosity here.
COVID Policy
Retreatants are expected to take great care with the health and well-being of everyone on the retreat. We strongly recommend retreatants to be fully vaccinated and boosted. Masks and pre-testing will be required. Please do not attend if you are ill. In case of illness, exceptions may be made to cancellation fees. Please understand that the COVID policy is subject to change.