Trust Your Heart

“Concerning the Way, there will be no difficulty, if only you dislike being picky.”

The Xinxin Ming, is a classic writing of the Golden Age of Ch’an (original Zen). This remarkable text has been cherished and studied in the Ch’an Zen school for more than a thousand years. Together, let’s bring this text to life, experiencing its relevance, richness, and depth through shared study.

“Like the original nature of the universe, your nature is perfectly complete –
nothing lacking and nothing in excess.”

The Xinxin Ming can be translated as “Faith in Mind,”  or “Trust Your Heart.” This pivotal writing serves as a testament and encouragement towards the direct experience of enlightenment, the enduring truth that Shakyamuni Buddha realized under the Bodhi Tree.

“If you misunderstand oneness, you’ll be frustrated by duality.”

Drawing heavily upon Taoist understanding and terminology, it introduces the Buddhist way of awakening, expressed in a subtle and precise form. We will look at pivotal lines contained within this ancient inscription and explore how we can realize its essential meaning in our meditation and our everyday lives. A copy of the text will be provided to registered participants before the class. This class is suitable for beginners, as well as experienced meditators.

“Everything has more than one side to it, and good comes from considering that.”

Schedule

9:00am – Welcome and Introductions
9:10am – Opening Meditation (posture, breathing, mind)
9:35am – Walking Meditation
9:40am – Meditation (choiceless awareness)
10:00am – Dharma Talk on the text Trust Your Heart
10:45am – Tea Break
11:00am – Meditation
11.25am – Discussion, questions, and comments on the text
12:00pm – Lunch Break
1:00pm – Sitting Meditation
1:25pm – Walking Meditation
1:30pm – Dharma Talk – Trust Your Heart (continued)
2:15pm – Sitting Meditation
2:30pm – Reflections and Sharing
3:00pm – Metta Chant and Closing

The retreat is being offered for $55. For LBM Sustaining Members, we are offering the retreat at a discounted rate of $45.

If you cannot afford the full fee, choose “Reduced Fee” on the registration form below and please let us know in the comments field what you can afford. Volunteers at our events are always appreciated.

If you can contribute additional funds, your contributions help keep our services available, compensate teachers and staff, and make classes available for those who cannot afford them.

How to Join the Retreat