Everyone wants happiness and no one wants to suffer. But, if we want to be freed from suffering, we have to abandon its causes. If we want to attain liberation, we have to establish its causes.
Discover the path to liberation and freedom from suffering in this transformative weekend of teachings and discussions on the Four Noble Truths where you will learn how to overcome discomfort, understand the causes of suffering, and cultivate inner peace and wisdom.
We will explore:
- The ways in which we feel discomfort
- How that discomfort comes about
- That we can overcome all states of discomfort
- How we can attain freedom
Whether you are new to Buddhism or have been practicing for years, these teachings offer a valuable opportunity to explore the Four Noble Truths and learn how to apply them in your own life. By understanding the nature of suffering and the path to liberation, we can find inner peace and freedom.
Schedule: Please note all times are Eastern Daylight Savings Time (EDT)
Friday | 6 pm – 8 pm EDT | Overview of the Four Noble Truths: A Guide to Everyday Life
Saturday |10:00 – 12:00, 2:00 – 4 pm EDT teachings
Sunday | 10:00 – 12:00, teachings 2:00 – 4 pm EDT meditation instruction and group practice
There will also be an option to join us from 8:30 to 9:30 am for silent meditation on Saturday and Sunday. If you don’t already have an established practice, Justin will provide brief meditation instructions when you arrive at 8:30.
Hybrid: In person in New York City at Home Studios , 873 Broadway, and Online – Zoom link provided upon registration.
Tuition: Our intention is to make this workshop financially accessible to all, so we offer a tiered fee structure. Please choose whichever level works best for you. If program costs present a financial barrier or you are interested in a stipend to offset the cost of childcare, please contact [email protected].
FAQs
How much time do we spend meditating?
This weekend teaching is dedicated to learn the philosophical foundation of the Buddhist path. Except for the early morning sessions and Sunday afternoon, no specific time will be allotted for meditation during the day.
Is this retreat suitable for beginners?
Yes! This program is suitable for those who are already practicing Buddhists or for those who are interested in beginning to walk the Buddhist path to enlightenment.
About the teacher:
Justin Kirkwood is a Buddhist teacher and Tibetan translator at the Namchak Foundation. His many years in India of traditional monastic training, personal practice, and experience as a translator make him uniquely qualified to share these teachings in a way that is grounded in the Buddhist tradition while meeting students where they are with their unique spiritual interests and goals.
About Namchak:
Namchak brings ancient meditation practices to modern life through online learning, in-person retreat, and a vibrant community guided by Tibetan masters and Western teachers. We support students on every step of the path, from those exploring mindfulness for the first time to more experienced students looking to deepen their practice. We offer a variety of learning programs, including in-person teaching, small group learning, online courses, and soon-to-be established residential retreats at the Namchak Retreat Ranch in western Montana.
Our Community Commitments
In order to co-create a brave, inclusive, anti-oppressive and learning centered space, in our community we each agree to:
- Be inclusive of diverse opinions and backgrounds through treating each other with respect and appreciation.
- Commit to words and actions of non-harm within our group interactions.
- Learn by immersing in and committing to the practices at hand.
- Hold personal sharing in confidence.
- Be present, practice mindful listening, and not offer unsolicited advice.
- Allow and invite for equal sharing of voices as well as the right to pass.
- Take care not to speak for others in the group.
- Assume good intent and come from a place of curiosity and care.
- Come as we are with permission to be “raggedy.”
- Be mindful of and take personal and collective responsibility for our own biases including the use of language that may “other,” “cancel,” or dehumanize any person, groups of people, and/or their experiences.
- Ask for consent before hugging or initiating physical contact during in-person gatherings.
- Use the “Ouch/Oops” tool to address hurtful comments and language in the moment and to allow space for repair.*
We aspire for this sangha to be a place of refuge.