Finding a silent center in this chaotic world is a challenge for so many, it seems a nearly impossible task. Many see Vipassana as an act of the brave few who are willing to put themselves through a deep inner search and discipline. For many it is a daunting and scary proposition. To find this center is a necessity for the future and evolution of mankind. It is for all of us to reconnect to the divine within us and allow that to move through us into manifestation. Every year here at ravencrest we begin our retreat season with a invitation to move out of the mind and back to our senses. This weekend is a 3 night, 4 day retreat that will provide a gentle and manageable introduction to what it means to be in silence and find ourselves in connection with the natural world. Samuel Perry, Maryn Azoff and Patrick Surdam will guide you through different concentration and meditation practices and dharma talks that will open the door to connecting body mind and spirit and finally get you into meditation, where you are one with all that is, in a peaceful state of simplicity.
Perhaps the most important thing we can do right now as a collective is to empty ourselves of the un-necessary and reclaim our connection to nature and our true identity. We invite you to experience some of the peace and quiet you are longing for.
The mind is filled with questions, the answers you seek are found in silence. When connected to your true self and the natural world there is no question. Great masters and teachers have been sharing the benefits of a silent mind for centuries.
Our daily struggles and suffering is directly linked to our feelings of separation from the whole. That separation is an illusion of the mind. When the mind is quiet we settle into our heart center where all is connected in ONENESS and we finally enter ADVAITA.
At Raven Crest, our mission is to provide a beautiful, pristine home in Nature for all those who are yearning for reconnection. We will begin our 2020 retreat season with an invitation into your own peace and silence where we will spend time meditating in some exquisite nature, held by the earth as she blooms into spring, reawakening our spirit after the dormant wintry season.
Experience the pristine surroundings of the natural world on our 300 acre property, enjoy vegetarian Ayurvedic meals, group meditations and dharma talks and most importantly…enjoy your SELF in oneness with all that is. Silence is the greatest teacher and heart connector. Where there are no words, the truth awaits you.
This retreat is great for beginning meditators and experienced meditators alike.
About your guides:
Samuel Perry:
Samuel Perry is a clinical herbalist and dedicated student of Buddhism. Having engaged extensively in both the Tibetan Lam Rim and the rigorous training of the Zen tradition, Sam carries a deep understanding and practical experience of meditation. His work as an herbalist and his knowledge of and love for the living world offers a unique vantage point from which to engage these practices. His commitment to the ever-unfolding awakening of all beings is expressed in a playful and fluid style.
Maryn Azoff:
Maryn is a Vocal Transformation Coach, a musician, a member of the 'Tribe of Love' and 'Cura Cura' and first and foremost, a servant of Spirit. Her greatest mission is to help others awaken to their true selves. Meditation has been a part of her life for 15 years and she has studied the works of many masters throughout her life. It wasn't until her first silent retreat that she understood the mind separate from the SELF. This life changing discovery has transformed her and, in her gratitude, she is thrilled to bring others to this understanding.
Patrick Surdam:
Patrick was first introduced to meditation as a teenager when he was given a book on Buddhism by a teacher. This auspicious moment inspired him to study a wide range of contemplative spiritual and religious traditions. He found that he was most drawn to the Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism, and the teachings of modern spiritual masters such as Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche and Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche. Patrick has completed multiple long form solitary meditation retreats, a practice he feels is essential to building a strong foundation of mindfulness and connecting to the inherent clarity and ‘basic goodness’ that we all possess. Meditation has also had a profound impact on Patrick’s creative and professional life as a musician/songwriter(Cura Cura) and in his work as a Recovery Coach.
All the wisdom of the universe is alive within your being. Silence is the only way to hear it. Come find the silence you are looking for in a supportive community that will help you to settle into a whole new way of looking at yourself and the natural world.
Your non-refundable $100 deposit will reserve your spot.
$50 EARLY-BIRD DISCOUNT when registered before April 1st.
use checkout code: BLISS
• all classes and workshops
• delicious vegan/vegetarian meals
• beautiful accomodations
• swimming pond / bonfire / yoga platform / giant meditation nest
• train/bus pickup from Albany if needed
(please let us know how you are planning to come to the farm so we can organize ride shares and pick-ups)
For couples and close friends our beautifully decorated cabin and Mullein House offer shared beds.
The peaceful and beautifully decorated Mullein House has shared rooms with two or three beds available.
The beautiful Mullein House and Cabin have single rooms available with shared bathroom.