Seven Factors of Awakening Retreat
with Rachael O'Brien
A Benefit for the Resilience Charter School
January 26 -February 3, 2019, Gainesville Retreat Center
Gainesville, Florida
with Rachael O'Brien
A Benefit for the Resilience Charter School
January 26 -February 3, 2019, Gainesville Retreat Center
Gainesville, Florida
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The Buddha said that those who would seek an end to craving, an end to karma, and an end to suffering would practice the Seven Factors of Awakening. This 9-day residential retreat will develop the student's understanding and practice of the Seven Factors of Awakening and will explore the process of epiphany on the spiritual path. Led by Rachael O'Brien, who teaches meditation and Buddhist studies in Gainesville, Florida, students will be instructed and guided in the practice of Tranquil Insight Wisdom Meditation (TWIM). TWIM, which is a method of practice that combines calm and insight meditation, is based upon the earliest Buddhist (Pali) texts. This method is ideal for beginning students or for advanced meditators seeking to cultivate deep serenity and wisdom. Committed students from all spiritual practices (Buddhist and non-Buddhist) are very welcome.
A portion of the tuition for this retreat will be donated to the Resilience Charter School, an innovative, tuition-free public school in Gainesville that includes mindfulness practice and social and emotional learning as pillars of its curriculum. For more information on the Resilience Charter School, please visit http://resiliencecharterschool.weebly.com/ 
The retreat will be held at the Gainesville Retreat Center in Gainesville, Florida. Nestled in the midst of a lush forest, the Center is located on a 108-acre wildlife refuge where deer, sandhill cranes and owls will accompany you on the spiritual path.
Students will begin each morning with a group practice session that includes a short reading of the refuges and precepts followed by seated and walking meditation. Instruction and guidance is provided in private one-on-one daily interviews, which will address each student's unique practice experience and facilitate progress through the stages of meditation. The retreat is limited to 20 participants and is conducted in Noble Silence, which means that non-communication outside of designated discussion periods will be strictly observed. Although our communal energy will provide each person with great support, students will have the opportunity to practice introspection with minimal external stimulation. Additionally, students are expected to observe the Eight Precepts (Uposatha Precepts), which are the foundation of retreat conduct and the basis for progress in meditation practice.
Fees
Fees include meals and specific accommodations on a first come basis.
Main Houses (all bathroom facilities are shared) Single Room $700, Deposit is $200 Double Room $490, Deposit is $200 For more information about the facilities, visit the Gainesville Retreat Center website at www.gainesvilleretreatcenter.com. To reserve a room or ask further questions, email Rachael O'Brien at rachaelobrienretreats@gmail.com The deposit of $200 is refundable until December 14, 2018. After that date, the deposit is not refundable. Full payment of fees is due by January 19, 2019. Fees cover the costs for facilities, lodging, meals, and retreat expenses. A mailing address for payment by check or money order will be provided by email as soon as your reservation is confirmed. Online payments or payments by credit card are not available. Payments Payment by Check or Money Order can be made by contacting Rachael O'Brien via email at: rachaelobrienretreats@gmail.com DO NOT PAY FEES TO GAINESVILLE RETREAT CENTER WEBSITE OR
MAIL PAYMENT TO THE GAINESVILLE RETREAT CENTER Meals and Dining
Arrivals and Departures
The retreat will be held at the Gainesville Retreat Center, 1551 SE 51st Street, Gainesville, Florida. Check the website form more information at www.gainesvilleretreatcenter.com Plan to arrive at the Gainesville Retreat Center on Saturday, January 26, 2019 between 3:00PM and 4:30PM to register and get settled. Parking areas will be posted. The retreat will end after breakfast on Sunday, February 3, 2019. There will be time to socialize, take photos, and pack following breakfast. What to Expect the First Day
Room assignments will take place between 3:00PM and 4:30PM. Dinner will be served at 5:00pm followed by group orientation. At 6:30PM, opening comments and a Dhamma talk will be given by Rachael. What to Wear
Temperatures in Gainesville in late January and early February average in the mid to upper 60's during the day and the mid 40's at night. It is normally a dry time of year with little rain. Bring comfortable but modest loose fitting clothes that facilitate sitting and walking meditation. Sweat pants and easy slip-on/off shoes are recommended. Bring clothing that can be layered should the weather turn unexpectedly warm or colder than normal. It is advisable to bring a knit cap and gloves just in case the weather turns cold. Sweaters or jackets are generally needed at night. Shoes are not permitted in the building. Socks or soft slippers are appropriate in the meditation hall. Shawls and body blankets are recommended for sitting and walking meditation. What to Bring and Not Bring Chairs and cushions (zafu) with mats (zabuton) will be provided by the Gainesville Retreat Center. Other Necessities to Bring: Bed linens, blankets, and towels are provided. Bring a special personal pillow or blanket if desired. Bring personal toiletries (toothpaste, bath soap, sunscreen, Kleenex, etc), insect repellant, flashlight or headlamp and extra batteries, an alarm clock or watch with an alarm, and a water bottle to be filled at the center with filtered water as needed. What to Leave at Home: Do not bring valuables, nonprescription drugs or alcohol. 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 by Rachael. Candles, incense, and smoking are not allowed in any rooms. Clocks and Phones: Please be punctual for all group events. Turn sound off on clocks and watches. There is no public telephone on the facility. Cell phones will be collected at the beginning of the retreat and made available during breakfast on the closing day of the retreat. Computers and notebooks are prohibited during the retreat. Safe and secure storage for personal computers and cell phones will be provided. 
Gainesville
Gainesville is a beautiful and progressive town that is home to one of the largest universities in the country. Go Gators! There are many places of natural beauty including Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, the Devil's Milhopper State Park, and several local springs. Gainesville also hosts notable cultural and educational centers including the Florida Museum of Natural History and Butterfly Rainforest, the Harn Museum which includes a large Himalayan Buddhist art exhibit, and Kanapaha Botanical Gardens |
Rachael O'Brien has been investigating the spiritual path for nearly 20 years. She has studied the mystical traditions of Buddhism, Hinduism, and Christianity, and has trained in Theravadin and Tibetan Buddhist meditative practices. Rachael has been deeply influenced by the teachings of Venerable Bhante Vimalaramsi and the late Venerable Ayya Khema.
Since 2015, Rachael has led the Gainesville, Florida Tranquil Wisdom Insight Meditation (TWIM) sitting group, led residential retreats, and co-taught with Bhante Vimalaramsi. She leads a weekly Dhamma talk every Thursday, which is held largely online and includes students from all over the United States and beyond. Rachael also teaches mindfulness practice at the Resilience Charter School, where she serves as the Chair of its Board of Directors. Practice Schedule
All participants are required to be present and seated in the meditation hall for the 5:30 AM and 6:00 PM sessions. A daily teacher interview will be scheduled for each person. During practice periods, participants will balance periods of sitting and walking meditation to suit their individual needs. Indoor and outdoor meditation practice is encouraged. FIRST DAY______________ 3:00 - 4:30pm Registration 5:00 - 6:00pm Dinner & Orientation 6:30 - 8:00pm Dhamma Talk 8:00 - 10:00pm Self-directed meditation DAILY SCHEDULE_________ 5:00 am Wake up 5:30 am Group Sitting practice 7:00 am Breakfast 8:00 am Self-directed meditation 12:00 pm Lunch 1:00 pm Self-directed meditation 5:30 pm Tea time 6:00 pm Dhamma talk 8:00 pm Self-directed meditation 10:00 pm Further practice or sleep LAST DAY_______________ 5:30 - 7:00 am Meditation & Closing 7:00 - 9:00 am Breakfast, Socializing 9:00 - 10:00 am Departure Transportation
Flights should arrive at the Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV) by 2:00PM on Saturday, January 26th. Pick-up from GNV is easily accomplished and free of charge. Please provide time of arrival to Rachael O'Brien at: rachaelobrienretreats@gmail.com
Pick up from other airports by the retreat staff is not possible but carpooling with other participants may be possible depending upon their travel arrangements and points of origin. Driving Directions to Gainesville Retreat Center is located at 1605 SE 51st Street, Gainesville, FL 32641. Info: http://gainesvilleretreatcenter.com/faq.html If you are arriving before the retreat and need a hotel, the Hampton Inn located in downtown Gainesville is the best option. Pick up from the Hampton Inn is free of charge. Visit http://www.hamptoninnandsuitesgainesville.com/http://www.hamptoninnandsuitesgainesville.com/ Emergency Numbers
Gainesville Retreat Center Business Phone: 352-213-2221 |
Simplicity
Meditation retreats offer a sacred space that is protected and removed from the world. They allow 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 meditation retreat. The sheltered and quiet setting is a key element that enables participants to develop patience, steadfastness, lovingkindness, generosity, joy, and wisdom. These are the seeds that grow insight, compassion, and contentment.
Participants are requested to let go of concerns for daily life and embrace an attitude of simplicity and renunciation by adopting a traditional spiritual practice that is called “taking what is offered”.
1. Taking Any Residence – whatever quarters are offered. We ask participants to happily accept the accommodation assigned and continue to practice in this spirit throughout course of the retreat.
2. Taking food that is offered – Happily accepting food that is offered is part of the practice.The cook lovingly prepares tasty and nutritious vegetarian meals. Alternative dishes will be available for those with medically required dietary restrictions. Participants with special dietary needs are encouraged to bring ready-to-eat supplemental food items that may be kept in the central refrigerator located in the dining room. Hot water and a microwave oven are available 24/7. Food items are prohibited in rooms and the meditation hall. Food preparation is not allowed in the kitchen or dining area.
3. Silence – In fostering an atmosphere of contemplation and meditation, retreatants are requested to embrace the practice of Noble Silence during the retreat. Living in silence is the practice of observing within and not communicating with others. This includes reading or writing, using telephones, computer, email or text messages. Talking is permitted during the evening Dhamma talks and teacher interviews when questions are encouraged. Inquiries about the retreat may be directed to a retreat manager or whenever necessary in the case of an emergency.
4. Serving the Community – Retreatants may wish to volunteer for community work as a daily period of meditation-in-action. This activity acquaints yogis with meditation practice in daily activities and helps the retreat function more smoothly. A sign-up sheet for yogi jobs will be available during registration.
The retreat is organized and managed by volunteers as a community service. Rachael O'Brien freely gives the teachings and her time to be of service to the Buddha, the Dhamma (the teachings), and the Sangha (the community).
We deeply value the benefits of these profound spiritual practices and are honored to share these blessings with you. Thank you for your participation.
Participants are requested to let go of concerns for daily life and embrace an attitude of simplicity and renunciation by adopting a traditional spiritual practice that is called “taking what is offered”.
1. Taking Any Residence – whatever quarters are offered. We ask participants to happily accept the accommodation assigned and continue to practice in this spirit throughout course of the retreat.
2. Taking food that is offered – Happily accepting food that is offered is part of the practice.The cook lovingly prepares tasty and nutritious vegetarian meals. Alternative dishes will be available for those with medically required dietary restrictions. Participants with special dietary needs are encouraged to bring ready-to-eat supplemental food items that may be kept in the central refrigerator located in the dining room. Hot water and a microwave oven are available 24/7. Food items are prohibited in rooms and the meditation hall. Food preparation is not allowed in the kitchen or dining area.
3. Silence – In fostering an atmosphere of contemplation and meditation, retreatants are requested to embrace the practice of Noble Silence during the retreat. Living in silence is the practice of observing within and not communicating with others. This includes reading or writing, using telephones, computer, email or text messages. Talking is permitted during the evening Dhamma talks and teacher interviews when questions are encouraged. Inquiries about the retreat may be directed to a retreat manager or whenever necessary in the case of an emergency.
4. Serving the Community – Retreatants may wish to volunteer for community work as a daily period of meditation-in-action. This activity acquaints yogis with meditation practice in daily activities and helps the retreat function more smoothly. A sign-up sheet for yogi jobs will be available during registration.
The retreat is organized and managed by volunteers as a community service. Rachael O'Brien freely gives the teachings and her time to be of service to the Buddha, the Dhamma (the teachings), and the Sangha (the community).
We deeply value the benefits of these profound spiritual practices and are honored to share these blessings with you. Thank you for your participation.