Skymind: Sacred Land, Sacred View

“Anyone who is interested in learning how to practice open awareness has come to the right place.” -Skymind Participant

Immerse yourself in the profound nature of mind teachings of Buddhism, with transformational practices inspired by the great 11th century Tibetan yogini Machig Labdrön.

Relaxing your body onto the earth, gazing into the vast expanse of the sky and the open sea, you learn to “rest the mind in the way of the sky.” Drawn from original texts at the heart of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, Machig’s pith and luminous verses remind us to turn towards the innate wholeness of our being and the natural spaciousness of primordial awareness.

Through teachings, meditation, and contemplations, many of which will be held outside, you learn to cultivate radical acceptance and an awareness of your inseparability from the ground of being, the Great Mother. In a direct yet gentle way, these teachings point you beyond the constrictions of the isolated self and to your inescapable and empowered relationship with others.

Supported by the natural splendour of Hollyhock’s landscape and heartful connection to each other, you claim your path of awakened compassion, lived in the ordinary moments of everyday life.

This Retreat Includes

• Teachings, contemplations and discussion of Machig’s verses, derived from source texts. You are encouraged to memorize your favourite verses to inspire and guide your daily life after our retreat.
• Open Awareness meditation, as well as ancient and new exercises to train attention.
• Integration with the elements practices (held primarily outdoors) that invite you into an embodied experience of wholeness.

Testimonial

“Skymind is inspired and inspiring. The teachings were accessible, supported by fine scholarship and shared with wit and wisdom. The relevance of Machig Labdrön’s teachings could not be more timely. Beauty beyond words, this.” -Skymind Participant

Financial Support

Scholarships offered by Skymind through a generous grant from the Hemera Foundation. Please visit our scholarship page and apply early if financial support is needed for you to attend the program. Applications will open in January, 2025 and will close April 30th, 2025, or when total funds are allocated.

Daily Schedule

A detailed schedule will be emailed to you about 30 days prior to your program. Click here to view a sample program schedule.