The Power of Concentration - Level 2 Meditation Retreat

For those interested in deepening their Meditation practice, Ratna Ling has designed three levels of retreats for folks at different stages of the path. Join George Wiegand for a fun, enlightening journey into your mind…

This Level 2 Retreat is designed for those who have an easy time focusing on the breath. You are confident about the benefits of meditation. You practice with enthusiasm because you know it will bring you peace. Youʻre willing to give up thoughts, emotions and distractions at least for the period of your meditation because you see the benefits of doing so. Focusing your attention has become a reasonable thing to do. You might be able to sit for 12-24 minutes in silence with relative ease.

We invite you for a 4-day Retreat with George Wiegand to sustain your concentration. In this phase of practice, we will keep bringing the mind back to the object of concentration, whether itʻs the breath, a sound, a smell, or a sight. We practice placing our awareness on a single thing.

We will learn about the 9 stages of shamatha (calm abiding meditation), as depicted in this painting of a monk, elephant and monkey on the path.

Using guided meditation, visualization, and sensory awareness, we will begin to notice that we are not our thoughts. You are not a victim of your emotional patterns. You have choice and agency.

You will learn how to neither grasp at thoughts/feelings/emotions/labels/identities–nor push them away. You will learn how to touch the present moment and feel alert and awake. You will learn to be comfortable with noticing and observing, instead of gripping or spiraling into stories and feelings.

This weekend includes:

• Silent Practice
• Guided Meditation/Visualization
• Readings and Discussion
• Play and Exploration

Feedback from recent guests:

“Amazing teachers, facilities, and overall atmosphere! I went there for my first ever meditation retreat and left feeling genuinely surprised at how different I felt (more focused, peaceful, and joyful). Overall, I highly recommend this place – it changed my life, and I do not say that lightly.”

“Georgeʻs guidance was SO thoughtful, delicate, appropriate, and supportive.”

“The retreat was amazing, impactful, and beyond what I expected.”

Schedule (Subject to change):

THURSDAY

• 3pm  Check in
• 4:30pm Meditation in Nature
• 5:30pm Dinner
• 7pm Opening Circle, Review the Nine Stages of Calm Abiding Meditation

FRIDAY

• 7am Morning Meditation
• 8am Breakfast
• 9-10:30am The Stages of Meditation
• 11-12:15pm  Practice
• 12:15pm Lunch + Quiet Time
• 3-4pm Meditation in nature
• 4:30-5:30 Practice
• 5:30pm Dinner
• 7-8:30pm Practice

SATURDAY

• 7am Morning Meditation
• 8am Breakfast
• 9-10:30am  Dharma Talk
• 11-12:15pm  Practice
• 12:15pm Lunch
• 1:15pm Temple Tour (optional)
• 3-4pm Meditation in nature
• 4:30-5:30 Practice
• 5:30pm Dinner
• 7-8:30pm Practice

SUNDAY

• 8-845am  Practice
• 9-10am  Closing Circle
• 10am   Brunch

For directions to Ratna Ling – Ratna Ling Retreat Center 35755 Hauser Bridge Rd Cazadero, CA 95421

Accommodations are beautiful lux cabins

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

• Transportation to/from Ratna Ling is NOT included – carpooling encouraged
• Payments are nonrefundable and transferable to a future Ratna Ling stay or retreat
• Each cottage includes TWO private rooms with queen beds, large dining & living area, gas fireplace, spacious deck, jetted bathtub, linens/towels/hand soap, kitchenette with tea & coffee, complimentary wireless internet. 
• Vegetarian meals are served during our weekend together.

What people are saying about Ratna Ling: