Online Retreat, November 7–13, 2022 with Delson Armstrong
The program and goal of this online retreat is the same as a residential retreat but takes place in a private and personal space. The program is designed to maximize results with the masterful guidance of Delson Armstrong (Dhammacariya Sobhana). This course is ideal for those new to TWIM and TWIM meditators that have not attended a Delson led retreat in 2022.
Meditation Essentials Video
Course goals: 1. Cultivate jhanas (stages of insight) through the direct experience of the brahmaviharas: metta, karuna, mudita, and uppekha. 2. Understand the four steps of effective application known as Right Effort and the methodology of the Six Rs. 3. Develop the seven awakening factors in the stages of meditation. 4. Experience release and nibbana.
Information and Instruction Video
Delson recommends that participants arrange a private secluded space and observe mindful silence with minimum daily interpersonal interaction. Outdoor walking space and simple no-hassle meal preparation is optimal. A supportive environment will include suspension of cell phone, email, and other media use other than for assigned videos, reading, and scheduled Zoom meetings.
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.
His latest book; A Mind Without Craving, offers detailed exploration into the nature of reality, behavioral reprogramming, karma, rebirth, consciousness, and liberation. It's a practical companion for a self-directed ten-day meditation. A Mind Without Craving provides in depth meditation techniques to progress smoothly along the Noble Eightfold Path to awakening.
Loving-Kindness Meditation Instructions Video
The three video links on this page are helpful those new to TWIM and to clarify the course content with a smooth transition into the course. TWIM is not difficult or a test of endurance but rather an insightful experience filled with joy and ease. Read A Guide to TWIM attached as a .PDF.
Recommended Schedule for Your Time Zone 5:30 am- Wake 6:00 am- Recite the eight precepts with self directed sitting and walking meditation 6:30 am–10:00 Group meetings and daily one-on-one interviews Daily Breakfast and lunch (avoid eating and evening meal) Daily Sitting and walking meditation 6:00 - 8:00 pm Watch the assigned instructional video Bedtime Be sure to get enough sleep every night to properly energize the mediation practice.
Registration
Registration is closed except for wait list.
Confirmations will be processed and notifications of acceptance emailed within 7-days of submission
Enrollment is limited to 20 participants on a fist come, first serve basis. This course is ideal for those new to TWIM or TWIM meditators that have not attended a Delson led retreat in 2022.
A position on a waiting list will be offered to anyone registered after the maximum enrollment of 20 has be reached. If you have been confirmed on the waitlist, You will be notified if there is an opening occurs.
Your registration implies your full-time participation to the best of your ability during the entire course.
Fees The retreat is free of charge. This is a non-profit retreat. Delson offers the teaching freely however, Delson relies on the generosity of supporters to sustain his ability to teach. His mission to help seekers awaken wisdom, compassion, and realize liberation. The retreat is administered and supported entirely by volunteers.
Preparations
Optimize your retreat
Once your enrollment is confirmed, you will receive a confirmation letter and instructions to book interviews. Once confirmed, insure your interview time slots are scheduled. A recommended schedule has been simplified for your convenience. Retreat volunteers will be available throughout the retreat to coordinate daily activities. Take the time to adequately prepare your home and personal life for immersion into the retreat. Watch "Optimizing your home Retreat" video.
Contact Numbers Allow two days for replies to text or voicemail messages.
Retreat Manager, Scott Jordan cell phone: 415-250-5294
Email admin@TWIM.Foundation
Retreat Schedule
7-Nov, Monday Pacific time, 6:30-8:00 AM Live Zoom group introduction with Delson Assigned video: Introduction for Tranquil Wisdom Insight Meditation (TWIM) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WF5HQWYvxo
9-Nov, Wednesday Pacific time, Interviews: 6:30-10:00 AM Assigned video: MN 111 One by One - the Jhanas lead to Nibbana, In this Sutta Sariputta explains the Jhana (s and the full path leading to Nibbana and awakening. described as "Ariya" jhanas. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-qbPxD1NBA
10-Nov, Thursday Pacific time, Interviews: 6:30-10:00 AM Assigned video: The Satipaṭṭhāna Sutta and the four foundations of mindfulness. Delson defines the aggregates and explains how they are experienced with instructions on how to incorporate in practice. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2WpSdC37R0
12-Nov, Saturday Pacific time, Interviews: 6:30-10:00 AM (12-Nov, Saturday Mumbai time. 20:00-23:30) Assigned video: Mahaniddana Sutta, The Great Discourse on Origination - Part 1. The Buddha then explains in reverse order going back only to mind-and-body and consciousness https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bi51gggdLc&t=135s
13-Nov, Sunday Pacific time, 6:30-8:00 AM Live group Zoom with Delson to close the retreat for most participants
15-Nov, Tuesday Pacific time, 9:00-11:00 AM MN 117 Mahacattarisaka Sutta, The Noble Eight Fold Path. Delson elaborates on the Inter-relationships and interdependencies within the path. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iD9Rsfw5fUM
Technical or Scheduling Problems: Contact Jordan by phone: 415.250.5294
Interview Process and Procedures
Enter the waiting room at least 10 minutes before your scheduled interview. You will be greeted by Delson's' assistant who will hold you in the waiting room until Delson is free to meet with you.
Prepare for interview with notes and questions. Delson will ask you questions about your meditation such as: How's it going or, what was your best sitting today or How long was your longest sitting or what are you using as your object of meditation. or how long can you stay on your object of mediation... and so on. There are no perfect answers so just try to respond as clearly and honestly as possible.
From time to time, Delson will change your meditation techniques. This is normal and done so as to develop mental qualities that led to awakening. Take notes and follow the instructions as best as you can. Be patient and rigorous. This practice develops all of the stages of joy and insight leading to nibanna.
Daily Practice The Refuges I now take refuge in the Buddha. I now take refuge in the Dhamma. I now take refuge in the Sangha.
For the second time, I take refuge in the Buddha. For the second time, I take refuge in the Dhamma. For the second time, I take refuge in the Sangha.
For the third time, I take refuge in the Buddha. For the third time, I take refuge in the Dhamma. For the third time, I take refuge in the Sangha.
Eight Precepts for Retreats
I undertake to keep the precept to abstain from killing or harming living beings
I undertake to keep the precept to abstain from taking what is not given.
I undertake to keep the precept to abstain from all sexual activity
I undertake to keep the precept to abstain from telling lies and harsh speech.
I undertake to keep the precept to abstain from taking drugs and alcohol.
I undertake to keep the precept to abstain from eating solid food after the noonday meal.
I undertake to keep the precept to abstain from listening to music, singing, dancing, or beautifying my body with make-up, flowers, or perfumes.
I undertake to be loving and kind to myself and all living beings.
