“To light a candle is to cast a shadow...”

― Ursula K. Le Guin

Practice non-action.
Work without doing.
Taste the tasteless.
Magnify the small, increase the few.
Reward bitterness with care.

See simplicity in the complicated.
Achieve greatness in small things.

— Dao De Jing, Chapter 63

The autumn equinox is a powerful time of balance; as the earth rests on the knife’s edge of day and night in equal measure, we are invited to contemplate the relationship between light and dark, life and death, letting go and letting in, softness and strength, action and rest. Ancient cultures around the globe marked the equinox with ceremonies, rites, celebrations, and wonder.

But our modern world affords few opportunities to reflect on—much less enact—balance. The breakneck speed of our lives and the exponential rate of technological advancement has driven us into socio-political polarization and thrown our civilization out of balance with the planet and with ourselves. This imbalance manifests on all scales, from the micro/personal to the macro/global.

During this weekend meditation retreat, we will explore how Eastern wisdom traditions offer guidance on how to re-balance our bodies, minds, hearts, and world, with a focus on the Middle Path of Buddhism, the teaching of Pratipaksha-Bhavana (“cultivating the opposite”) from the Yoga sutras, and the yin-yang teachings of the Dao De Jing. And we will do so in a gorgeous setting: the sprawling 300 acres of farmland and forest known as Madison Fields in Dickerson, MD.

This retreat will be organized around equilibrium in a variety of dimensions: balancing noble silence with conscious interaction, balancing inward-facing and outward-facing contemplative practices, balancing structure with free time. There will be periods of seated meditation, walking meditation, dharma talks, and conscious dialogue. The precise equinox falls on the morning of Sunday, September 22nd, and we will commemorate it with a special ceremony.

All meals will be provided and are included in the retreat fee. Food will be plant-based, and can be tailored to accommodate some dietary restrictions (within reason and ability). If you have allergies or other dietary concerns, please make sure to detail them in the registration form. There are limited residential slots open for those who would like to stay the weekend in Madison Fields’ beautiful historic farmhouse. Commuting is also appropriate for those who reside locally or regionally.

Check-in will begin at 4:00pm on Friday, and the retreat will end at 12:00 on Sunday, followed by lunch.

** Registration, management, and meal fees do not include teacher dana. In accordance with Buddhist tradition, Sam’s teachings will be offered on a donation basis. Please come prepared with cash, check, or electronic payment in order to offer whatever dana that feels appropriate to you.