Amida Events

Welcome

Welcome to the Weblog that lists forthcoming Amida Events in all parts of the world. You can search this site using the Categories section in the left hand column to find what you are looking for. You can search by type, fee level (colour coded), date, venue or by course leader (though due to the exigencies of sangha life we cannot totally guarantee that a course will always be led by the person specified). You will also find information about fees, travel and similar matters in the Practical Information section. We hope you find what you are looking for easily.

If you have any problems or need forther information, please e-mail us at courses@amidatrust.com. You can also find additional information about the Certificate, Advanced Certificate, Diploma and other on-going programmes at www.buddhistpsychology.info.

For the annual retreat in Belgium, please contact Karin

For events in Vancouver, please contact Mike Talbot

To stay at a centre other than during a course, please visit The Buddhist House or Amida France or Amida Hawaii as appropriate.

Thank you.

Return to Amida Home Page

Fees Structure and categories

The Fee Structure for Amida Trust Courses

Short courses are classified in five categories
Green: professional psychotherapy courses
Blue: other professional courses and some personal growth courses
Yellow: chaplaincy & ministry programmes
Red: general interest courses
White: courses that have a unique fee structure - please enquire

Green: £60 per day for public £36 for all registered students
Blue: £45 per day for public £24 for all registered students
Yellow: £30 per day for public £12 for all registered students
Red: £15 per day for public No charge for registered students

Registration fees

There are five levels of registration:

1. General - open to all
2. Certificate - for students interested in joining a certificate programme.
3. Advanced - for students who have been accepted for AC and Diploma courses.
4. Full-time - for students interested in all the courses.
5. Fully resident - for those interested in Buddhist training.

2009: January 17-18: Peer Learning Weekend

An annual convention for students on the psychotherapy training course, this self-programming weekend is a good opportunity for students to bank up Peer Learning Hours (required by the course) and spend time in each other’s company. Always a stimulating environment in which to develop your skill in methods taught on the course, to discuss basic principles, and to explore the processes at work in our lives. An opportunity for one to one and group based practice and for giving and receiving feedback, as well as to clarify points of theory.

10-11 February: Snake in the Ant Hill, Seeking the Spiritual Energy in Therapy

A skills workshop. First weekend of Dragon Riding: Restoring Zest for Life 10-18 February led by Dharmavidya & Caroline Brazier
Overview of the Nine Days: Many clients approach therapists when they feel that their life energy is depleted. Whether through practical circumstances or psychological distress, the person feels diminished and oppressed by life and loses the will to carry on. Regaining enthusiasm for life is not easy. Although people often search within themselves for meaning, as the word enthuse suggests, the spark of life is often regenerated from without (the root of the word enthuse, en-theos, literally means to be filled by the god). This course will look at the role that therapy can play in bringing the life spirit back into people’s lives.

12-15 February: Karma and Drama: Unfolding the Client’s Story Through Action

Dharmavidya & Caroline Brazier

An experiential and action skills workshop for trainee therapists and human relations professionals and volunteers

2008: February 9-17: SPRING COURSE BLOCK: BOMBU NATURE, ORDINARY NATURE

Skills workshop including an examination of the relationship between faith, well-being and the overcoming of compulsive tendencies.

Mostly people seek counselling because they are discontent with their lives. Whether in big or small ways, they feel that they could live more effectively or more happily if they could just gain greater understanding. Pursuing the rational can be an attempt to resolve human dilemmas, and yet we would not be human if we did not behave irrationally from time to time. Our passions are our energy source, our fallibility the seat of our compassion. In this course block we will explore the role of the passions in shaping and enriching therapeutic process.

9th-10th: NEGOTIATING THE INNER CHILD: WAYWARD KARMA AND RESPONSIBILITY
Some approaches to therapy put emphasis upon the needs of the inner child. Other approaches educate the adult faculties and ignore immature responses. Treading a middle way between the glorification of impetuousness and rigid self-discipline, this course will explore a creative approach to clients’ more wayward qualities which treads a line between non-conditional acceptance and encouraging responsibility. A two day workshop, this weekend will focus on skills development using creative facilitation and challenge.

11th-14th: LIFE PASSIONS: LIFE STORY AND MEANING
The role of biographical work in Buddhist approaches is one which we have explored on a number of occasions. This four day section will introduce a number of methods for exploring life story. It will particularly explore the role of the passions both in shaping the past and in therapeutic exploration of past events. Participants will explore both their own stories and those of significant others, learning techniques for facilitation. We will draw on use of drama, narrative, diagrammatic work, genograms, nei quan and other methods.

15th: DAY SEMINAR: COUNSELLING DIFFICULT EMOTIONS
Buddhism is often seen as an approach which teaches the calming and elimination of passions. How does this impact upon a Buddhist approach to therapy? Is the expression of emotion necessary or does negative affect simply become a self-reinforcing habit of thought and feeling? Some Buddhist therapies attempt to foster calm by teaching meditation or mindfulness based methods. Others take a more cognitive approach based on understanding the nature of mental states. Yet such approaches create difficulties, since the client is not a long term practitioner and may simply use techniques to repress emotion. This day seminar will look at the various dilemmas which arise from the attempt to work with strong emotions in a Buddhist framework.

16th-17th: ANGER, BLAME, GUILT AND SORROW
Concluding this block on working with the passions, we look at ways of working with the arising of negative emotion in therapeutic sessions. It is always challenging to work with someone who is full of anger and blame, yet to hold the therapeutic role requires us to avoid falling into blaming ourselves. As we hear the client’s distress it is easy either to feel blaming of third parties, colluding with the client’s script, or to judge the client for having negative feelings. Lying behind such scripts, however, are often feelings of doubt, guilt, regret and sadness. These may take longer to emerge, yet may bring deeper insight into the driving roots of anger.

Christmas & New Year Retreats

There will be Christmas and New Year Retreats at Amida France

Staying at TBH: Practical Information

Accommodation, costs, and other useful information

If you are attending a retreat, course or other training event, you are welcome to stay in The Buddhist House. At the Buddhist House we also welcome visitors who would like to come and stay to practice Buddhism with us and learn more about our way of life. Individual visits and retreats are possible at most times.

Travel Directions

How to find us by air, rail, coach or car.

2008: 10 - 30 July - Dharmavidya's Summer Teachings

During the three week period of the July Retreat, Dharmavidya & Prasada will give lectures on
Pureland Buddhism and its Application in Society, Culture and the Arts

• 12 lectures over the three week period

There will also be  periods of Pureland practice    

• Introductory seminars for the less experienced on the basics of the Pureland approach
• Seminars and coaching for the more experienced related to Buddhist chaplaincy and ministry

As usual there will be plenty of opportunities for outdoor life, community living, discussion and sharing with stimulating company, and good vegetarian food, much of it from the centre's own garden.

For more information see the Amida France weblog or

2008: August 1st - 20th: Arts in France

For the last few years August has seen the development of our summer arts programme. This offers an extended period of creativity in which participants can join in a range of arts activities in a friendly, relaxed setting.

The arts period takes place at the Amida retreat centre in Berry, which is in central France.

The arts period is suitable for serious artists, families and complete newcomers. You can dabble in new creative techniques, swap ideas, attend arts workshops and have a lot of fun.

In previous years there we have done painting, candle making, mosaic, dance, voicework, ikebana, clay modelling, fabric painting, writing, ceremony as well as plenty of time for swimming and walking. Sometimes we work together on a project, and sometimes people work individually. There is usually someone with expertise on hand to offer advice. 

See the Amida France weblog - or email bookings@amidatrust.com
         

2009: March 19-29: OJO RETREAT "Right Effort within Other Power"

A period of practice, seminars and community living with reflection upon the legacy of our spiritual ancestors and the spirit that they have imparted to the Dharma community.

This event is open to everyone and anyone who would like to follow this event and do these practices and exercises at home. Click on this link to join the OJO Retreat

The overall theme of this retreat period is "Right Effort within Other power". There is a common fallacy that Other Power and personal effort somehow exclude one another, whereas both are central elements in the Buddhist way. It is, therefore, important to understand the correct relation between them. This week includes memorials for Gisho Saiko Sensei, Amita Amrita Dhammika and Gyomay Kubose Sensei. All three were inspired by a deep Buddhist faith and all three were exemplars of Right Effort in the service of all sentient beings, though in three different ways that complement each another and together constitute three important dimensions of the Amida approach. Gisho Saiko pioneered Shinshu Counselling and his psychological methods rooted in Amidist faith inspired many students and disciples. Amrita Dhammika (1956-2006) went forth to Africa and expressed her faith in the form of humanitarian work. Gyomay Kubose (1906-2000), a disciple of Haya Akegarasu (1877-1954), supported the Japanese people in America through the difficult times that they experienced during and after the Second World War when as enemy aliens they faced great difficulties in recreating their community after internment and displacement and managed to do so through the sustaining power of Amidist faith. These three - psychological depth, humanitarian outreach and sustained community - are principal aspects of what Amida-shu is doing in the world.

The retreat also includes Paramita Day (21 March) and this focusses our attention upon the bodhisattva ideal. The Larger Pureland Sutra which is the principle text of Amida-shu has as one of its main themes the establishment of the bodhisattva ideal at the heart of what it means to have faith in Amida buddha.

Amida Psychotherapy Training Programme 2008/9

The course blocks for the Amida Psychotherapy training programme for 2008/9 are on the web now.
http://www.buddhistpsychology.info/calendar%2004to05.htm

You can also put in your application for next October's Distance Learning programme in Buddhist Psychology now.

2008: September 19-21: Introductory Retreat

Learn the basics of Pureland practice and find out what it means to practise.
This introductory retreat is open to all. We will introduce some basic concepts found in the Amidist approach to Pureland Buddhism and spend some time practising together. Amida retreats are friendly, informative, and replenishing. This will be a good time for those interested in taking time out from a busy or stressful life to relax, chant, explore one's faith and spirituality and experience life in a Buddhist community. Please arrive Friday evening if possible.

2008 October 4-5: Meet Amida

A Weekend Introducing the Work of the Amida Trust & Community

This is a good general introductory weekend for all who would like to be involved with the Amida Trust as students, volunteers, community members or Buddhist practitioners. The course covers the formal and informal organisation, philosophy, principles and practicalities of the Trust, the Amida Order, Amida-shu, its project work, educational programmes, artistic and cultural activity. You will find out what goes on, who is who and how it all works. This course is one of the best ways to start or deepen involvement with the work of the Trust and Amida-shu. Attenders in previous years have gone on to a variety of projects and roles within the Amida network.

2009 April 10-13: Easter Arts

Developing the Spirit through Art as Practice

April is the cruelest month, breeding
Lilacs out of the dead land, mixing
Memory and desire, stirring
Dull roots with spring rain."
- T.S.Eliot

Spirituality and art share much in both being explorations of inspiration. The Other Power of spirituality and the Artist's Muse are forces that establish traditions of expression through human activity that is "for its own sake" yet speaks of the deepest meanings of which people are capable. Thus much of the greatest art is religious art, the world's spiritual literature includes some of its greatest poetry and prose, even secular art speaks of an influence that goes beyond the mundane, and art itself in all its diversity is a language of the Spirit. One does not have to be highly talented to participate in this. One of the aims of Amida Trust is to make it possible for ordinary people to participate, not merely be a passive audience. To this end the Trust sponsors pandramatics, poetry days, and a range of workshops. Easter is the time of rebirth after winter darkness. Let us meet together and have a collective flowering. Different participants may be drawn to different modalities of work, but all can stimulate and inspire one another.

During these four days we shall have opportunities to practice arts including:

Plastic Arts: Painting, collage, craftwork, construction of art works, flower arranging, etc.

Performance Arts: using the pandramatics approach to improvisation

Verbal Arts: Poetry, writing, scripting, etc.

Each day will include periods for creative work, seminars on method and meaning, and gatherings for sharing. The aim is to establish a creative community for the four days. Participants are, of course, also welcome to arrive early or stay longer if they wish to extend the time they devote to this work. The art room is always available.

This workshop counts half credit for psychotherapy students, ie full attendance gives you two days of staff contact
hours plus one day peer learning and costs you two days attendance fees.

2008 November 7-9: Retreat: "Exile & Return"

A weekend retreat gathering, Friday evening 7pm (or meal at 6) to 3.30pm Sunday. It is traditional in Pureland Buddhism to hold a retreat in the autumn in memory of the exile of Honen Shonin and other founders of Pureland in Japan. From about the year 1200 onward the traditional Buddhist temples in Japan began to be more and more alarmed by the spread of the nembutsu teaching throughout the land. In 1204 they petitioned for the abolition of the nembutsu practice. In 1207, Honen Shonin, then 75 years old, was exiled and his leading disciples were all exiled to different parts of the country. This actually eventually led to the dissemination of the nembutsu through Japan and to its becoming the largest school of Buddhism in the country. The bannishment was repealed a couple of years later and Honen eventually returned to the capital where he died in 1212. At this retreat we will remember these formative events and also look at the themes of exile, return and refuge and of keeping faith through difficult times as they manifests in our own lives. A time to practice together, share experience, learn about the tradition and celebrate our connections as a sangha.

2008 November 1-2: Spiritual Relationships, Complex Relationships, Healing Relationships

This two day workshop will explore the different types of relationships involved in chaplaincy and other face to face spiritual work. Chaplaincy and other spiritual support work provides opportunities to meet people in many different circumstances. The context is often one in which the person is facing particular changes or life traumas, and may be open to reviewing life and seeking the spiritual dimension in new ways. Meetings may have been requested and planned, or may be casual and informal. They may be in depth or brief, and it is not always clear at the outset what is required. We will look at styles of interaction which are appropriate in different circumstances, at the opportunities to support personal spiritual transformation which emerge in this kind of work. We will discuss the sort of boundary issues which need to be taken into account in the mixed relationships which can exist in the spiritual context and how to avoid some of the pitfalls. This course also carries credit for enrolled psychotherapy students.

2008 November 3-4: Blessings, Weddings and Funerals: Creative Approaches to Personal Ceremony.

Spiritual groups offer ceremonies to the important mark life transitions of their members. In the last couple of decades, interest in the creative use of ritual has grown, and people increasingly seek more personalised events. Some Buddhist groups already have traditional ceremonies to mark rites of passage, but many Western groups are daunted by requests from their members and others. Learning to facilitate personal ceremony is an art which takes practice, resourcefulness and a dramatic presence. Ritual is a language, mastered through experience and repetition. This two day workshop will look at the art of ceremony and creating a special occasion relevant both for those committed to a religious path and to those who have a less aligned sense of the spiritual. It will be practical, suitable for anyone who might take a role in such events, but particularly for those who may be called on to lead them. We will look at resources: readings, music, and chants; and at commonly used elements of a service, including making offerings, creation of the ceremonial space, invocations, symbolic acts, blessings and dedications. We will draw on both Buddhist sources and other spiritual traditions. We will discuss the structuring of anevent, the poetic and metaphoric frame, and the sequencing of elements. We will look at those small details which become so precious to participants. There will be opportunities to practice ceremony and pool resources. This course is an important opportunity for all Vow 22 students but will be useful to Buddhists of any background.

2009: January 24-25: Honen Shonin Retreat

A weekend to celebrate the founder of Japanese Pureland, Honen Shonin

Honen Shonin started a movement that revolutionised Japanese Buddhism, not only in his own school. He took the teachings to the mass of ordinary people and emphasised thei all inclusiveness. He was opposed to elitism and religious criteria that excluded many people. His approach to teaching was very down to earth and his practices simple.

This weekend is both a time to celebrate tradition and what it brings into our lives and to reflect that this tradition has, at its core, a call to new life, new vision and new faith. We can reflect upon our own commitment to a path of practice for the benefit of the ordinary people of the world.

2008 October 11-19: Buddhist Psyology & Psychotherapy: "Hearing the Real Other"

led by Caroline and David Brazier and Gina Clayton

Buddhist psychology suggests that psychological problems arise when we are locked in the deluded worlds that we have created. What we experience is a function of our need to maintain personal stability, and to this end, our minds insulate us from others by distorting perception. We see selectively or unconsciously distort what we see so that our perception fits with our pre-conceptions. The way out of this psychological rigidity is through more direct encounter with others, and the therapeutic relationship can be a forum in which this encounter is explored.

2009 Feb 21-March 1: Buddhist Psychology & Psychotherapy: "Creativity and Focus in Therapy"

led by Caroline and David Brazier and Gina Clayton

Human beings are psychologically healthy when they are creatively engaged and have a sense of purpose. When one's life is engaged in contributing to some greater project, small troubles drop away. This course block explores the way that assisting the client to develop creativity, find purpose and to focus beyond their small world, investing their energy in activity that feels worthwhile, can bring change and growth. Through the active media of creativity, cultural critique and working with body experience, we will explore how healthy engagement with life can be encouraged and facilitated.

2009: May 2 - 10: BREAKING THROUGH DELUSION

led by Caroline and David Brazier and Gina Clayton

Buddhist psychology suggests that we are all caught in fabricated worlds, built as defences against knowing the existential reality of our situation and our feelings of threat which come from our expectations of others' judgement and condemnation. We opt for the reassuringly familiar and see new situations through our habitual templates and mental formations, yet still we are troubled by threatening feelings of inadequacy and guilt. The structuring of our personal worlds is complex and well established. We have been doing it since birth and before. In this course block we will explore the processes of delusion which lie at the heart of mental structures and in particular we will explore the ways that many such feelings revolve around the "need to be right" and our fear of judgement. We will look at ways of challenging these perceptions and reaching a more honest relationship with our humanity. The first weekend will focus on the construction of delusion and the ways in which Buddhist psychology understands the processes of mental formation. The experiential section, which is timed to coincide with the publication of Caroline Brazier's new book on the topic, will explore the role of guilt
in the formation of our mental structures, at ways in which the Western culture of judgement impacts on therapeutic practice, and at alternative ways of working with such factors. The final weekend it will examine therapy's role in the broader context of the human situation and the dire consequences of our delusive behaviours as they threaten all sentient beings.

2-3 May: CORE SKILLS 5: Vedana, Samjna, Samskara
This skills weekend will focus on the Buddhist theory of skandha process explaining how the structures of delusion are created. As we perceive our world, we react and in reacting tap into our habitual patterns of thought and action. We play out familiar roles and invite those around us to do the same. In doing this we proliferate those mental tracks that will lead us to continue to see the world in a deluded way. We will explore how these patterns of response manifest on micro and macro levels in all normal human interaction, and how the therapist can use awareness of this process to break into their rigidities.

May 4-7: FOUR DAY EXPERIENTIAL: Beyond Guilt
A four day experiential group focussing on exploring issues of guilt and shame. Coinciding with the
publication of Caroline Brazier's book on the topic, this workshop will look at the complexity of this topic, exploring the differences between real guilt and felt guilt, and the factors which may be at play in such experiences. In particular it will look at the Western burden of judgmentalism and at ways of moving beyond this into a more productive relationship with our pasts. This group will use action methods and other exercises to explore the way that perception can shift or mislead. We will look at new ways of perceiving old events through various kinds of other-centred work. There will be opportunities to discuss relevance to client work and to explore methods that can be used in the therapeutic setting to disrupt unhelpful perceptual fixities.

May 8 DAY SEMINAR : Bombu Nature and the Therapist
We are all bombu. We are human, and in being so, we are ordinary, unenlightened beings who make
mistakes. At the same time, our clients may have all manner of expectations of us which may artificially high. They may idealise us and look to us for wisdom which they do not themselves hold. As therapists we are expected to uphold standards of behaviour which are exemplary, codified in ethical guidelines, and in our professional models. Thus we are expected to continue to "get it right" and our fallibility is frowned upon from all sides. How does the therapist deal with these high expectations? What happens when things go wrong?
How do we integrate our darker aspects into our professional practice and recognise our ordinariness whilst continuing to provide the level of holding which therapy requires.

May 9-10:CORE SKILLS 6: Green Therapy
Therapy can be seen as taking place in a separate space. The boundaries of the therapy room create a
barrier, bringing therapy into an indoor world focussed on inner processes of the mind. Yet humans exist in a world that is facing ecological crisis. The impact of our lives on the other species of the planet is a story to terrifying destruction. How do we live with the realities of climate change and the destruction of environments? Do these impact on the therapeutic process we engage in, or are we and our clients so preoccupied with personal stories that such global factors are ignored. This weekend in our series on ethical dilemmas asks: What impact does environmental concern have on our work as therapist? Is it something we should be more conscious of? Do therapists have a role in shaping public attitudes on these matters? Is it the ultimate delusion to believe we can reach our human potential whilst ignoring the fate of other sentient beings?

This course block is part of the Psychotherapy Training Programme. All courses are complete in themselves and may be attended by the general public. If you would like to join us for all or part of this course, please contact courses@amidatrust.com. For students registered on one of our longer programmes, course fees are paid as lump sum payments. Costs for those who are not registered students on psychotherapy courses are £60 per day for the public and £36 per day for students with general registration. Accommodation costs are additional. Attendance is subject to the conditions given elsewhere on this site.

For full information on Amida Trust educational programmes please consult http://www.buddhistpsychology.info

2008: August 9 - 10: Introductory Reatreat

Learn the basics of Pureland practice and find out what it means to practise.
This introductory retreat is open to all. We will introduce some basic concepts found in the Amidist approach to Pureland Buddhism and spend some time practising together. Amida retreats are friendly, informative, and replenishing. This will be a good time for those interested in taking time out from a busy or stressful life to relax, chant, explore one's faith and spirituality and experience life in a Buddhist community. Please arrive Friday evening if possible.

to book, or for more information email Kaspalita@amidatrust.com or phone 0116 286 7476   

2007: August 31: RETREAT IN BELGIUM

This retreat, organised by the Amida Group in Belgium is open to all who wish for an experience of Amida Pureland practice and especially to those who might wish to practise with the Belgian group in the future. For further information, please contact karin@amidatrust.com

2008: November 15 - 16: Listening Generously

Basic Counselling and Listening Skills

A weekend course presented by the Maitri Counselling Service in association with Amida Trust. Over two days, participants will be introduced to basic counselling and listening skills based on the Buddhist psychology model developed by Caroline and David Brazier of the Amida Trust.
This course is designed for people with little or no experience. Join us to learn new skills or improve your
existing ones. Would be very suitable for anyone working with adults in a voluntary/helping role that involves listening and support.

Cost: £50 , concessions available
Location: Narborough
Registration/Enquiries: Ring 0116 286 7476 or
email Mudita, mudita@amidatrust.com

(Please note: this is a basic course and not part of Amida Trust’s professional counselling training programme)

2008-9:Dec 31 - Jan 4: New Year's Retreat

Come and start the New Year with practice at THE AMIDA BUDDHIST CENTRE with Susthama

Click on image for details:

2009: April 9 - 12 Easter Retreat: Tathagatagarbha

Led by Dharmavidya

Easter was originally a pagan celebration of renewal and rebirth. Celebrated in the early spring, it honored the pagan fertility goddess Oestre. In Buddhism the idea of Tathagatagarbha is an important concept. Garbha means womb. Tathagata means the Buddha who comes to save us. The idea of tathagatagarbha is interpreted differently in different traditions. In this retreat we shall practice together, enjoy the new growth of spring life in the world around us, and also examine the notion of spiritual transformation through the medium of the analogy of gestation and giving birth.

2009: July 14 - 18 : Sesshin

Please note that the sesshin will start on the 14th and finish on the 18th July.

COME AND EXPERIENCE THE HOLY POWER OF LOVE at THE AMIDA BUDDHIST CENTRE with Dharmavidya

Click on image below to see details

2009: July 20 - 24 : The Spiritual Dynamics of Applied Buddhist Ethics

Dharma Teachings at THE AMIDA BUDDHIST CENTRE with Dharmavidya

Click on image below for details

2009: July 27 - 31 : The Creative Undercurrent

Come and unleash your creative source at THE AMIDA BUDDHIST CENTRE

Click on image below to see details

2009: August 3 - 7: Buddhist Psychology Summer School

Click on image for details:

2009: August 10-14: Dharma for the Entire Family

A week of spending time together engaging in fun activities in a relaxing and natural environment. A great place to pitch a tent and camp or sleep in a hammock under the starry skies.

2009 December 2-9: BODHI RETREAT

The Bodhi Retreat is held in commemoration of the Enlightenment of Shakyamuni and the founding of the Buddhist tradition. Always the most important and exuberant event in the Amida annual calendar, the Bodhi Retreat has grown in significance as the Amida-shu and the Amida Order have developed. Four years ago we inaugurated the practice of 24 hours of continuous chanting at th begiining of the retreat. This year we plan to extend this to three days of continuous chanting. This prctice provides the opportunity for a complete immersion in the nembutsu. One can spend every waking hour in nembutsu practice. In order to make this possible we have scheduled all admission and renewal ceremonies for 9th December, the day after enlightenment day, to symbolise their forward orientation. Once the Buddha is enlightened, admission to his community becomes possible. If you are a present or intending member of Amida-shu, do make every effort to attend. If you are contemplating an advance in your commitment, please arrange to discuss this ahead of the retreat with one of the teachers of the Order.