Dependent Origination Symposium, May 21–26, 2023 with Delson Armstrong
This 6 day, 5-night symposium and retreat will combine study and analysis of the Buddhist doctrine of Dependent Origination (D.O.) and Transcendental Dependent Arising. It takes place at the beautiful Mary and Joseph Retreat Center in Rancho Palos Verdes California. A prerequisite for attendance is having completed a full time residential or online teacher led Tranquil Wisdom Insight Meditation (TWIM) retreat.
 Dependent Orig. Part 1, 1:00
The curriculum of study will be led by Delson Armstrong (Dhammacariya Sobhana). The course will analyze the causes and effects in the twelve links of Dependent Origination (Pratītyasamutpāda) and the eleven links of Transcendental Dependent Arising. Watch the adjacent videos for detailed information that will be covered in the symposium
 Dependent Orig. Part 2, 1:34
The retreat will incorporate two daily group meditation sessions with emphasis on study groups and discussion. Study sessions will focus on the functional aspects and direct experience of D.O. along with the interrelationship of various links. Participants will examine causal relationships within the links and colorations with Four Noble Truths, the aggregates, the foundations of mindfulness, and other aspects of dhamma.
Delson Armstrong
Delson guides beginners and experienced meditators in the practice of tranquil wisdom insight meditation TWIM. He works with research institutions in neuroscience, cognitive behavioral therapy, and the phenomenology of meditation. Delson dedicates his life to teaching the path to liberation through methodology laid out in the Buddhist sutras. His teachings are freely available to all. More about Delson at: www.DelsonArmstrong.info
Dependent Origination Books
A Mind Without Craving, Suttavāda Foundation (November 10, 2021), provides in depth meditation techniques to aid in progress in meditation along the Noble Eightfold Path to awakening. It traces a series of talks given by Delson for a ten day metta meditation retreat There are detailed explorations into the nature of reality, behavioral reprogramming, karma, rebirth, consciousness, and liberation.
Mary and Joseph Retreat Center
The Center is located high atop the hills of Palos Verdes Peninsula in Los Angeles county California, It features modern conference rooms with wi-fi throughout, spacious in and outdoor dining, serene gardens with walking paths, and majestic views of Los Angeles skyline. The total maximum number of participants will be limited to thirty-five.
There are twenty-eight bedrooms with private bathrooms and an additional six with shared bathrooms available on a first-come, first-served basis. Shared rooms with twin beds are available to couples and family members. Anyone who would like to extend they visit should make arrangements through the Joseph and Mary.
Breakfast, lunch, and a light dinner are served buffet style. Indoor and outdoor dining offer views of lawns and gardens. Daily menus include both vegetarian (non-vegan) and meat or fish with a gluten-free options.
Hot and cold beverages including tea, hot chocolate, and coffee are available 24/7. Participants with special dietary needs or eating disorders may supplement meals with additional food items by special arrangement. A microwave oven and refrigerator space are available as needed.
Schedule
Day 1: May 21, 2023 ............................................................... 10:00 am Check-in 12:30 pm Lunch 1:30 pm Orientation 2:30 pm DO Session and Discussion with Q&A 4:00 PM Break 4:20 PM DO Session and Discussion with Q&A 5:30 pm Light Dinner 7:30 pm DO Session and Discussion with Q&A 9:00 pm Further practice or rest Day 2–6: May 22–26, 2023 ..................................................... 6:00 am Wake up 6:30 am Group Meditation 8:30 am Breakfast 9:30 am Meditation 12:30 Lunch 2:30 pm DO Session and Discussion with Q&A 5:30 pm Light Dinner 7:30 pm DO Session and Discussion with Q&A 9:00 pm Meditation 10:00 pm Further practice or rest Day 6: May 26, 2023 .................................................................. 6:30 am Group Meditation 8:30 Breakfast 9:30 DO Session and Discussion with Q&A 12:30 Lunch 2:30 pm DO Session and Discussion with Q&A 5:00 pm Closing Session Day 7: May 27, 2023, Post D.O. Brunch Gathering (optional) 10;00 AM–1:00 PM All participants are invited to attend a brunch on Saturday, 10:00AM to 1:00 PM, at the home of Irawan and Tinh. Their home is located four miles from the retreat center in Rancho Palos Verdes. A buffet vegetarian brunch will be served. Please RSVP at tvuongacu@gmail.com if you wish to attend. Registration
Fees
Single Occupancy = $1025, Double Occupancy for couples = $780 per person, Deposit Required = $400 This is a non-profit retreat. The teachings are free of charge. The fees paid apply to fixed retreat expenses that includes lodging, insurance, and travel expenses. Delson offers his teaching freely but relies on the generosity of supporters to sustain a mission to help seekers awaken wisdom, compassion, and realize liberation. The retreat is administered and staffed entirely by volunteers. Payment / Refund Policy
The retreat center is located 17 miles from Los Angeles LAX airport. Participants are responsible to arrange their personal transportation to the retreat center and return at their own expense. Air travelers are advised to check-in for departing flights at least 90 minutes before domestic departures and 2 hours before international departures.
Driving
Mary & Joseph Retreat Center 5300 Crest Road Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275 (310) 377-4867 From the North or LAX:
Hotels near the retreat center
Early arrivals or stay-overs may want to find a nearby hotel from the list below. These are modestly priced hotels. other location are available through Hotels.com. Kayak.com, and other Web portals. Ramada by Wyndham Torrance (2 star hotel) 2888 Pacific Coast Highway, Torrance, CA 90505, (310) 997-0303, 3.8 miles from the retreat center. The rate is about $123/night. Ask for discount with AAA or AARP. A Chinese restaurant on the premises. Website and reservations link: HERE Double Tree Hilton in Torrance (3 star hotel) A21333 Hawthorne Blvd, Torrance, CA 90503, (310) 540-0500, 6.7 miles from the retreat center. The rate is about $226/night. Ask for discount with AAA or AARP. Website and reservations link: HERE Contact Numbers
Wi-Fi and cell service are available throughout the retreat center property for use by participants
COVID-19: Policy
Protocols will adhere to the COVID-19 policies and guidelines set forth by the county of Los Angeles public health department published on their website at the time of the retreat. LINK Detailed Retreat Information
Weather: The weather for Rancho Palos Verdes in May is typically sunny with cool, clear nights. The average daytime temperature is 72ºF (20ºC). Nighttime average low temperature is 56ºF (13ºC). Rain is highly unlikely. What to Wear: Bring comfortable, loose-fitting clothes, such as sweat pants with elastic waistband. The center can be very windy so be prepared with layers that can be added or removed. A warm jacket is needed for cold nights and evening walking meditation. Comfortable slip-on shoes are appropriate for walking around the compound. Headgear, such as a hat with a brim, and sunglasses are handy for sunny days. What to Bring for Meditation and Study Sessions: Chairs for sitting will be provided in the classes and for mediation. You may wish to bring a meditation cushion. House-slippers and warm socks are appropriate along with a shawl or small blanket for both indoor and outdoor seated meditations in the gardens. Note pads and pens or a computer may be helpful to advance learning and reading glasses if needed. Other Necessities to Bring: Bed linens, blankets, and towels are provided by the center. You may want to bring a special personal pillow or blanket, if desired. Bring personal toiletries (toothpaste, bath soap, sunscreen, Kleenex, etc), flashlight or headlamp, an alarm clock or watch with an alarm, and a water bottle to be filled at the center with filtered water as needed. There will be notification bells to announce meals and group gatherings. COVID-19 testing and protective supplies as specified if required. What to Leave at Home: Do not bring valuables, nonprescription drugs or alcohol. Do not bring food, unless you have made prior arrangements with the retreat managers for accommodation of special dietary needs. Avoid using scented cosmetics or perfumes that may be allergenic to others. Reading and writing are discouraged during this training period, except during the evening Dhamma talks. Candles, incense, and smoking are not allowed in any building or room. Clocks and Phones: Please attend to personal matters before coming so a not to hamper progress in mediation. To support the practice of silence, participants’ cell phones and tablets, and computers need to be in in classes and during sessions and group gatherings. Interacting with Delson and Monastics
Physical contact: Refrain from shaking hands or hugs. Greeting: The traditional greeting is to have both hands held together in an attitude of prayer. Entering a room: Please be seated before starting a conversation. Stand up when the teacher enters or leave the room to demonstrate respect. Remain standing until he or she is seated or has departed. Attentiveness: Please do not cross your arms or legs during the conversation. It is considered rude to point the soles of your feet at a Buddha image, monk, nun or lay teacher. Timeliness: Be present and seated at the scheduled starting time and plan your questions in advance, to respect the end time. Conversation topics: Though you’re welcome to have enjoyable conversations about the dhamma and the practice, refrain from asking personal or potential non reverent questions. As an example, this includes asking for value statements about other practices or religions, about individual attainments or about potentially controversial topics (i.e. COVID). Generosity: There is no need or expectation, but donations (dana) is gratefully accepted . Dhammācariya Sobhana lives by the dhamma. Your generosity directly supports his ability to teach. Though physical gifts appreciated, they are impractical while he travels. Simplicity and Renunciation
This symposium offer a sacred space that is protected and removed from the world. This allows participants a rare opportunity to look deeply inside, quiet the mind, and open the heart. Often the most beneficial and rewarding experiences of spiritual life happen at a at retreat centers. The sheltered and quiet setting is a key element that enables participants to develop patience, steadfastness, loving-kindness, generosity, joy, and wisdom. These are the seeds that grow insight, compassion, and happiness. Participants are requested to leave behind concerns of daily life and embrace an attitude of simplicity and renunciation by adopting a traditional spiritual practice known as, “taking what is offered.” Taking What is Offered
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