Practical Information

***Note: the retreat is full, you are encouraged to sign up for the waitlist, as cancellations do happen.***

Dates: Wednesday September 4 – Sunday September 8, 2024 (5 days, 4 nights)
Start of the retreat: Wednesday September 4th, arrive by 6 PM
End of retreat: Sunday September 8th, at 11 AM
Location: Richmond Hill, Richmond, VA (Google Maps). This is a residential retreat, accommodation is provided.
Cost: This retreat is offered freely, as a gift to those who attend—there is no cost. Donations by those who attend make it possible to pass this gift forward to others, so that these freely offered retreats can continue to be held in the future at IMCR.
Teacher: Marjolein Janssen

Description
We are delighted to hold our Fall Retreat at the Richmond Hill Retreat Center (RHRC), an urban oasis, located in the heart of historic Richmond, Virginia. Nestled atop Church Hill, the city’s highest point, Richmond Hill offers a serene sanctuary within the bustling urban landscape.

During our retreat at RHRC, we’ll be practicing sitting and walking meditation. There will also be meditation instructions, Dharma talks and a chance to discuss your practice with the teacher. The retreat is suitable for beginning as well as experienced meditators. Beginners are asked to familiarize themselves with Vipassana meditation on the page for beginners on our website.

At the heart of our exploration during this retreat lies the Satipatthana Sutta, a cornerstone teaching attributed to the Buddha. This profound discourse outlines the Four Foundations of Mindfulness, guiding us to cultivate a deep awareness of the body, feeling tones, mind, and phenomena.

Registration
***Note: the retreat is full, you are encouraged to sign up for the waitlist, as cancellations do happen.***

Registration consists of two parts; 1) filling out two registration forms, and 2) sending in a deposit:

Step 1: Registration Forms

In order to register for the retreat please fill out two forms. Please make sure to fill out both forms:

1. The first form gathers practical information to organize the retreat. The teacher as well as a few volunteers who help organize the retreat will see those answers. After filling out this form, please come back to this page to click on the link for second form.
2. The second form is a (short) questionnaire with questions for the teacher. This is a separate questionnaire so that we can record your answers privately; only the teacher will see those answers.

Step 2: Deposit

While this retreat is provided free of charge, we do ask for a $75 deposit via check to confirm your spot. This precaution helps us minimize cancellations and maintain a smooth scheduling process. Your check will only be cashed if: (1) you are accepted into the retreat and cancel after the cancellation deadline (two weeks before the start of the retreat, August 21st), or (2) you are accepted into the retreat and do not attend. We will shred all other checks promptly after the end of the retreat.

In order to complete your registration you will need to send your check promptly after completing your registration form.

Make checks out to: “Insight Meditation Community of Richmond“.
Send your check to:
Insight Meditation Community of Richmond
2914 E Broad St Apt A
Richmond, VA 23223

More Information
We have collected a ton information about this retreat into an Information Document, including retreat theme, practical information, information on the spirit of generosity that this retreat is held in, taking the eight precepts, and more. Please read this document carefully before registering.

Important to know: we will be taking the eight precepts. One of these precepts is to refrain from eating after lunch. It involves abstaining from food after lunch until the following dawn. If this is a challenge for you for medical or other reasons then please indicate this on your registration form.