“This is a practice of cultivating the luminous mind.”

— Tina Rasmussen, Ph.D.

“A rare opportunity to practice with a deeply realized woman teacher.”

— Anna Douglas, Ph.D., Insight Meditation Tucson Guiding Teacher

Concentration (samatha) meditation, we return our awareness to one object of meditation to the exclusion of everything else, thereby collecting and unifying the mind stream. Samatha practice is often referred to as “purification of mind” and it does that in two ways. First, the practice reveals with heightened clarity our habitual patterns that cause us to suffer both on and off the cushion. Second, as we build the capacity to turn away from these patterns, a laser-like awareness can develop that can lead to profound stillness and joy, as well as the possibility of the arising of deep meditative absorptions known as the jhanas. The word “jhana” can be translated as a “burning up”—of our habitual patterns of greed, hatred, and delusion—which purifies our awareness, and can deepen our insight practice. 

Tina Rasmussen, Ph.D.

Tina began meditating at age 13, and has practiced in the Theravada and Tibetan Buddhist traditions for 30+ years. In 2003, she completed a year-long solo retreat, and was later ordained
as a Buddhist nun and authorized to teach by Ven. Pa Auk Sayadaw. Tina has been studied by Yale

Neuroscience Lab, and is the co-author of Practicing the Jhanas, as well as several books on human potential. Tina works with students worldwide.

This non-residential retreat is open to all. This retreat will be held in silence. There will be meditation instruction, sitting and walking practice throughout the day, and teaching periods with Q&A.

Cost

• $50 Early Registration (by November 22)

• $60 Registration (beginning November 23)

• Dana for the teacher

• No one is turned away for lack of funds.

Location & Schedule

The retreat will take place at the historic San Pedro Chapel in the Old Fort Lowell neighborhood of Tucson, 5230 E. Ft. Lowell Rd., Tucson AZ, 85712

• Saturday December 7, 9:30am - 4:30 pm

• Sunday December 8, 9:30am - 4:30pm

Accommodations

We have made arrangements for favorable rates at some area hotels. We will provide information to those traveling to Tucson for the retreat.