NOVEMBER 4-13, HAWAII RETREAT
Doug Kraft will lead this tropical 9-day residential retreat near the town of Pahoa on the Big Island of Hawaii. This quiet and spacious facility is nestled on the eastern slope of Mt. Kailua with expansive views of the Pacific near Pahoa on the Big Island of Hawaii. The center is ideal for seclusion and deep meditation. Limited to 22 participants.
Participants will be instructed and guided in the practice of tranquil wisdom insight meditation. This is the earliest form of vipassana or insight meditation practice. It is the original mindfulness meditation method described in the earliest Buddhist texts. This is not single pointed concentration type of meditative practice but rather a broadminded and heart felt approach that quickly develops penetrating awareness and joyful serenity. It is neither difficult or a test of endurance but ideal for beginning students or experienced meditators seeking to advance further in the stages of insight wisdom and enlightenment. Doug Kraft is recognized as a leading American dharma teacher and masterful meditation guide. Each evening, he gives an instructional talk based on early Buddhist texts along with anecdotes of his personal experiences in meditation. A daily one-on-one personal teacher interview provides each participant with individualized guidance that is essential to progress smoothly in the stages of awakening. GENERAL
The retreat program provides an integrated and supportive environment for optimizing meditation practice. Eight precepts comprising a code of conduct are maintained during the retreat. The retreat is conducted in mindful silence with an emphasis on ease and lightheartedness. Vegetarian menus are offered along with gluten-free options. Comfortable single or double occupancy cabins with private baths or communal bathrooms are available along with camping on a limited basis.
Location
The retreat center is affectionately called Elvira's Ohana House.
Ohana House is self-sustainable with an organic farm and environmentally friendly buildings. A state of the art solar energy system provides abundant power and rainwater catchment provides all your fresh water. The retreat center rests amid manicured gardens and organic fruit orchards. ACCOMMODATIONS
Camping
Tent sites are are available in flat shaded areas around Ohana House. Tent campers must furnish their own tent and sleeping gear $480. Kama'aina is available. Contact the retreat manager for details. MEALS AND DINING
Meals are served in the dining room at 7:00am and 12:00 noon. The menu is posted each day for breakfast 7:00 AM and lunch 12:oo Noon. A 5:30 pm tea and juice break includes a variety of herbal and black tea's and coffee and chocolate. There is no evening meal service offered in this program.
For other dietary issues such as hypoglysemia or diabetes, contact the retreat manager. Special needs by participants outside the normal meal service are the exclusive responsibility of each participant. Refrigeration is available along with a microwave oven, plates, and eating utensils. Preparing and cooking for in the kitchen is not not allowed.
Bottled water is available throughout the facility. Bring a wide mouth bottle with a screw cap for refills at the many water dispensers. Standard size ceramic cups are available in the dining room are small so you may consider bringing a mug for all your hot beverage needs. This also reduces the use of paper cups which are not recycled.
Detailed Information
What to Wear:
The weather in November is typically warm with sunny days and cool nights with occasional showers. The average daytime temperature is 80ºF. The night-time average temperature is 68ºF. There can be occasional rain storms but sunny days usually prevail. Bring comfortable, loose-fitting clothes, such as sweat pants with elastic waistband. Be prepared with layers that can be added or removed. Light clothing is recommended for warm, sunny daytime weather. A sweater or jacket may be needed for cool nights and evening walking meditation. Comfortable slip-on shoes are appropriate for walking around the center. Headgear, such as a hat with a brim, and sunglasses are handy for bright sunny days. House-slippers or socks are appropriate in the meditation hall. Bring a shawl or small blanket for outdoor, seated meditations in the garden and umbrella in the event of rain. What to Bring for Meditation: Chairs for sitting will be provided in the meditation hall. If desired, bring along your familiar meditation cushions or pad. Local participants are encouraged to bring a few extra cushions for those who traveled by air and cannot carry these items with them. Other Necessities to Bring: Bed linens, blankets, and towels are provided. You may want to 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, clock or watch, and a water bottle to be filled at the center with filtered water as needed. The are some mosquitoes in the early evening but wearing long sleeves, pants and insect repellent on exposed area is very effective precautions to prevent bits. Frog sing throughout the night. Bring ear plugs or noise canceling headset if you are sensitive to these kind of background sounds. 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. Candles, incense, and smoking are not allowed in any buildings. Emergency Phone Numbers: Retreat Manager, Scott Jordan cell phone: 415.250.5294 STAY AND VISIT
There are a variety of outdoor activities. Ask the retreat manager for details.
ABOVE: Khena beach is 8 miles from the retreat center. It is one mile from the Kalani resort and a short walk from Ramashala guest house.
ABOVE: Warm Mineral Springs open to the public 7 miles from the retreat center.
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doug KraftDoug leads meditation classes and retreats in Sacramento and the San Francisco Bay Area. He teaches how to effectively cultivate wise-attention as a mindfulness practice along with a path of insight and contentment. Doug stresses the need for ease and relaxation to enjoy rapid progress in the stages of meditation.
He is also a counselor, therapist, and retired Unitarian Universalist Minister who lives with his wife, son, and two cats. Doug loves delving into human nature and teaching meditation. He is the author of Buddha's Map, (2013), Beginning the Journey, (2013), Circling Home (2010), and Gods and Consciousness (2001).
Doug began training in 1975 and is just as enthusiastic about meditating today as he was then. He is a senior student of Bhante Vimalaramsi. Doug studied with Theravada Buddhist teachers including John Travis, Ajahn Tong, Larry Rosenberg, Corrado Pensa, Jack Kornfield, Joseph Goldstein, Sharon Salzberg, Christopher Titum, Joanna Macy, and Andy Olendski to name a few.
Buddha’s Map 2013, is the tale of Doug Kraft’s journey down this awakening path, his experience of spaces within himself he never thought possible. Easy to read yet an elegant combination of autobiography and instruction, Buddha’s Map offers rare and intimate insight to the meditative states Buddhist monks are not allowed to discuss. With clear and direct advice, Kraft shares his belief in everyone’s capacity to experience the ultimate in the original Buddhist meditation practice. Learn more at www.BuddhasMap.com.
RegistreationThis residential retreatincludes instruction, guidance, meals with accommodations. Registration is limited to 18 participants.
Fees include meals and lodging only. The instruction is given freely. Donations (Dana) in support of Doug's teaching is essential to continue to make retreats like these available. Doug is the guiding teacher of the Sacramento based Easing Awake Sangha, a tax-exempt 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Single room:$1250 Single loft $900 Double $850 Camping $480 (Kama'aina available) Fees: A $250 deposit is required to hold a reservation until 30 before the retreat begins when full payment is due. Fees are 100% refundable until that time. Make checks Payable to:
Easing Awake and mail to Easing Awake 1126 McClaren Drive Carmichael, CA 95608 Pay by credit card or PayPal A 3% bank service charge will be passed on to you for Credit Card or PayPal charges SCHEDULE
FIRST DAY___________________
3:30 - 5:30 Check in 5;30 - 6:30 Opening Circle 6:30 - 7:00 Light Dinner 7:15 - 8:00 Opening program 8:00 - 10:00 Meditation DAILY SCHEDULE______________ 5:00 am Wake up 5:30 am Sitting meditation 7:00 am Breakfast 8:00 am Sitting and walking meditation 11:00 am Lunch 1:00 pm Sitting and walking meditation 5:30 pm Tea time 6:00 pm Dhamma talk and discussion 8:00 pm Sitting & walking meditation 10:00 pm Further practice or sleep LAST DAY____________________ 5:30 am Meditation and Closing 7:00 am Breakfast and social time 8:0o am Van departs to ITO Airport 9:0o am Van arrives ITO Airport 10:30 am Non-extending guests depart GROUND TRANSPORTATION FOR AIR TRAVELERS 
Participants traveling from the mainland that require ground transportation should coordinate flight arrival and departure times with the retreat manager. Your fees include round trip transportation from the Hilo airport to the center and return. Participants arriving at Hilo International airport, ITO, on Friday, November 13 must be available for pick-up not later then 4:00 PM at baggage claim or a local hotel or nearby Prince Kuhio Plaza Shopping Mall. Return transportation to ITO or nearby hotels will depart the center at 8:00 AM on Sunday, 11/13. Arrival to ITO will be approximately 9:00 AM. Make your flight and hotel reservations accordingly. Taxi service is available at the airport if you wish to arrive early to enjoy water sports, hiking, or just resting. 
NEAR BY LODGING
There are only a few hotels in the Hilo area but there is comfortable lodging near the retreat center and plenty of AirB&B rentals
Elvir P.O. Box 219 Pahoa, HI 96778 (808) 965-7088 Website:YourHawaiianRetreat.org Kalani 12-6860 Kalapana-Kapoho Beach Road Pahoa, HI 96778 (800) 800-6886 Website: Kalani.com Ramashala (808) 965-0068 12-7208 Kalapana Kapoho Beach Rd Pahao, HI 96778 Website: Ramashala.com |
