This weekend program will be an exploration of the teachings on the nine stages of Calm Abiding. These teachings are said to pre-date Buddhism. Meditation practice  begins with self-reflection—the courage to look and listen to one’s own heart. Accomplishing Calm Abiding or Shamatha, is not an imposition of dogma, it is simply allowing mind’s own joy and harmony to develop and express itself. In this way, mind becomes our friend and ally in the endeavors we undertake. This weekend is open to beginners as well as experienced practitioners of meditation.

The workshop will include meditation instruction, meditation practice, talks and discussion. The workshop begins on Friday evening at 7:00 pm with a talk and discussion. Saturday and Sunday sessions begin at 8:30 am with a light breakfast and include a break for lunch on both days. Saturday’s session will end at 5:30, Sunday’s session at 4:30.

THE PRESENTERS

Michael Greenleaf is a senior student of Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, the spiritual and temporal leader of Shambhala International, an association of Shambhala Buddhist meditation and retreat centers worldwide.

Mr. Greenleaf began practicing shamatha meditation in 1974, after he met Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche, Sakyong Mipham’s father, and is a former member of the residential staff at Karma Choling, a retreat center in Northern Vermont as well as a senior teacher at the Shambhala Buddhist Seminary.  As a Certified Public Accountant, Michael credits meditation with helping him understand  “the dreamlike nature of financial statements” in addition to other benefits.

The workshop will be co-led by Jeanine Greenleaf, Michael’s wife.  Jeanine is a senior student of Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche and Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche and a former member of the residential staff at Karme Choling. She is the founder and President of Samadhi Cushions, a nonprofit maker and marketer of meditation cushions and Buddhist practice materials based in Barnet, Vermont.

A donation of $25 for the weekend is suggested. The Friday evening talk is free and open to all.  Call Newcomb Greenleaf at 802-633-4020 in order to register. The St. Johnsbury Shambhala Center is located on Eastern Avenue, above  Sunshine Boutique.