The Art of Returning: A Weekend Retreat with Robin Craig and Brian Lesage

The Art of Returning with Robin Craig and Brian Lesage

In-person and Online

We may come to meditation hoping to find greater peace, clarity, or freedom from the difficulties of life. Yet again and again, we discover ourselves caught in worry, wanting, judgment, or the endless movement of the mind. What if these moments of getting caught are not obstacles to the practice, but opportunities to discover something essential about freedom?

The Buddha’s teachings invite us to recognize when we have become entangled in our experience and, in that recognition, to begin again. Returning is not simply a matter of bringing attention back to the breath. It is also a way of learning to recognize our habitual ways of relating to thoughts, emotions, and the challenges of being human—and discovering that we don't have to remain caught in them.

Through meditation, silence, and Dharma (wisdom) teachings, we will explore this movement of recognizing, returning, and beginning again—with patience, curiosity, and kindness. Whether you are just beginning or have practiced for decades, this weekend offers an opportunity to discover the freedom that can emerge each time we recognize where we are and begin anew.

This retreat will be held in Noble silence. You are encouraged to bring a lunch to maintain continuity during the retreat. A fridge and microwave are available.

When

Friday, January 22 - 6:30pm - 8:30pm Arizona time      Saturday, January 23 - 6:30pm - 8:30pm Arizona time    Sunday, January 24 -  9:30am - 3:30pm Arizona time

Where

TCMC - 1147 N Howard Blvd, Tucson, Arizona.                    This retreat is offered in hybrid format, so you can choose to attend in-person or from home via Zoom if you prefer.

Please do not wear scented products (natural or unatural) as some people are allergic.

Cost

Fee: $90 for full weekend or $15 for Friday night only, plus Dana (donation) for the teachers.  These fees only cover TCMC expenses.  Teachers receive no compensation from TCMC.  You will have an opportunity to off Dana (donation) (a Buddhist tradition of generosity) to the teachers near the end of the retreat.  No one will be turned away due to inability to pay. Scholarships are available. A PayPal account is Not required to pay the fee during registration. You may use a credit or debit card. 

Registration

Registration is required.  You can do so by clicking the button below.  You are encouraged to register early because in-person spots could fill up.

Refunds

Refunds will be issued if requested before 10:00am Arizona time on January 22 minus a $15 administrative fee. No refunds will be given after that time

Contact 

For questions contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (520)775-1625

Teachers 

Brian Lesage has practiced Buddhist meditation since 1988 and has taught meditation since 2000. He has studied in the Zen, Theravada and Tibetan schools of Buddhism. He was ordained in the Rinzai Zen tradition in 1996. His training in Vipassana Meditation includes doing extended meditation retreats in Myanmar (Burma), Nepal, and India as well as numerous retreats in the U.S. He leads retreats and teaches meditation courses nationwide. In teaching the Dharma, Brian is interested in maintaining a close tie with this 2,600 year old tradition and conveying it in a way that speaks to our current situation. More info: https://liberatingawareness.com

Robin Craig brings her understanding of the physiology of resilience to her meditation teaching, and supports a joyful exploration of the deep spirituality and interconnection that is ours by nature. Robin is a Certified Meditation Teacher from a lineage rooted in Theravadin and Tibetan Karma Kagyu traditions traced back to the Venerable Ananda Bodhi. She is also a Licensed Professional Counselor and Organic Intelligence® Faculty.