Bodhisattva Retreat

What an unforgettable Awakin Retreat! Dubbed the 'Bodhisattva Retreat,' it was held at Redwood Vihara Monastery and brought together some truly remarkable human beings — from Rev. Heng Sure, Vanessa Andreotti, Gary Zukav, Evan Sharp, Srinija Srinivasan, and Richie Davidson to Rebecca Henderson, and many more.

Mark Slagle's video below captures the sights and sounds of the retreat — and was delivered as a surprise to everyone on the last day!

 

And via Liz after our community night ...

Thank you again for co-creating such a palpable community night, last Saturday night in the redwoods! From the reflective breakout circles, to energizing conversations over dinner, to the many invisible elves whose heart, hands, and head prepared the evening, and the heart-opening evening woven with Stephen's sound of the genuine, Melinda's divine parenting journey, Rebecca's insights on death, Evan's prayer to "help us remember," Victor's playful "peel banana" song, Richie's reminder to "brush" our minds like we do our teeth, and so much more -- the evening moved us and reminded us to "sweep clean" our hearts, as Rev. Heng Sure and Nimo sang.

To relive the inspiration and share it forward, here's the recordings and clips alongside Jason's shining photos! :)

Of the many feedback emails we got from local friends and virtual live-streamers, here's a thoughtful reflection from Rev. Bonnie Rose: 

I have been looking at my relationship to service lately - how much of it is offered without attachment vs. how much is about seeking even subtle recognition for being a good person, etc. How do I reduce myself (my level of self-interest) to zero? And even in asking that question, am I seeking to "get something, to get it right, or get somewhere?" It's what the Franciscans call "the quiet practice of the better." The evening helped me keep the faith in what I currently believe is the gentlest yet most effective way to navigate these complex times. Thank you for being.

Until next time—let’s always keep on dancing! After all, “we are all bananas,” dancing joyfully to the “woosh woosh” sound sweeping our minds clean. As Clarissa Pinkola Estés reminds us, we were made for these times.

Reflecting such a murmuration, one of the participants shared the next day, "I'm no longer the tree. I'm the forest." In some small way, perhaps it feels like we are all part of that same spirit.

With folded hands, on behalf of everyone ... Liz