Calm Mind, Wise Heart: Mindfulness & Lovingkindness Residential Retreat

Thursday, June 15th to Sunday, June 18th 2023
at St. Mary’s Sewanee, TN
This retreat is sponsored by St. Mary’s of Sewanee.

This retreat will focus on cultivation of Mindfulness (Sati) and Lovingkindness (Metta).

“Loving Kindness is in everybody’s heart, everybody’s mind, everybody’s life. There may not be a single living being who does not have the root of Loving Kindness. Most human beings don’t know this. They don’t know how much loving friendliness they have within themselves. It is buried under the rubble of hatred, anger, and resentment. It is something we have within ourselves all the time and we have to find a way to bring it out. When somebody cultivates Loving Kindness, that person’s heart becomes warm. When we cultivate Loving Kindness within ourselves, only then do we know how relaxed, how comfortable, how peaceful we can feel.” – Bhante Henepola Gunaratana

The retreat will be held in noble silence and will include alternating periods of sitting and walking meditation, mindful movement, instructions, and reflections. The schedule will also include optional discussion periods to reflect on how to skillfully apply the wisdom of the practice in our daily life. This retreat is suitable for all levels of practice, however, some meditation experience is suggested.

Held at St. Mary’s Retreat Center, located in Sewanee, TN on Monteagle Mountain, approximately 45 minutes north of Chattanooga. Sited on a bluff overlooking the Cumberland Plateau, St. Mary’s sits on 260 beautiful acres. It was originally founded as a convent and girls’ school and still possesses the peace that years of deep spiritual contemplation impart to a place. Providing serenity, beauty and chef prepared, locally sourced meals, it is the perfect place to rest and recharge. More information on accommodations can be found here.

The retreat will begin with dinner at 6 pm on Thursday and end after lunch at 11 am on Sunday. Check in will be between 3 and 5 pm on Thursday, to allow for plenty of time to settle in and check out will be after lunch on Sunday. St. Mary’s Retreat Center is located in the Central Time Zone.

Space is being limited to 20 participants.

Logging options:
1. Anna House Package: Lodging in Anna House building (motel style room, private bathroom); includes meals; does not include dana* for the teacher.

2. St. Mary’s Hall Package: lodging in St. Mary’s Hall (dorm style rooms, shared bathrooms); meals included; does not include dana* for the teacher.

*Dana is a practice of expressing gratitude through generosity. Dana or generosity, the practice of giving and receiving, is the heart and foundation of the Buddhist path. The Buddha taught generosity as a means of liberating our hearts, transforming clinging and encouraging non-attachment.

Janka is dedicated to offering the teachings, and her guidance freely. What this means is that she receives no compensation for teaching retreats and relies instead on the generosity of retreat participants. There will be an opportunity to offer dana to Janka at the end of the retreat.

We request that you agree to refrain from using cell phones and other communication devices for the duration of the retreat. This includes phone calls, emails, text and other internet use. Emergency contact information will be provided to share with family, should you require it.

For questions about the content and suitability of this retreat please email Janka.
For all other questions, please contact St. Mary’s of Sewanee at 931-598-5342.