Mudita Journal

Leigh Brasington Jhanas Retreat

April 1, 2004 · Filed under: Buddhism
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Below is information about a retreat I have attended for the past two years, and plan to attend again this year. It’s the most enjoyable retreat I’ve ever been on.

Though I don’t always agree with the philosophical positions Leigh Brasington presents, I find his meditation instructions to be of very high quality, and I like the fact that he teaches from the original Suttas, rather than from derivative texts.

And if you’re curious about the Jhanas, then Leigh Brasington is the teacher for you. He’s one of the more skilled Jhanas practitioners alive today, and has a very practical, light-handed approach to teaching.

Finally, the accommodations at the Sangre de Christo center are just incredible: single-occupancy dorm rooms in an expansive Catholic monastery high in the Sangre de Christo mountains of Northern New Mexico. Lots of fresh air, nature hikes, and wildlife.

Meditative Absorptions (Jhanas) and Vipassana Retreat
with Leigh Brasington

24 June – 4 July ’04
Sangre de Cristo Center
Chupadero, N.M.

This retreat will emphasize the application of the meditative absorptions in a regular sitting practice and is suitable only for experienced meditators with prior retreat experience (in any Buddhist tradition). The Jhanas, commonly called the meditative absorptions, are a method of one-pointed concentration taught in the Theravadan Buddhist tradition. The retreat will emphasize the teaching of this technique and will be held in Noble Silence with sitting and walking meditation and personal interviews. Since the death of the Venerable Ayya Khema, Leigh is the only person authorized by her who is currently teaching the Jhanas (Meditative Absorptions) in North America. He is entrusted with the transmission of a practice given by the Buddha, which is in danger of being lost to the world. This is a rare opportunity to receive and practice an ancient and powerful teaching – the Buddha’s own practice.

Leigh Brasington has been practicing since 1985 and is the senior American student of the late Ven. Ayya Khema. She confirmed Leigh’s practice and requested that he begin teaching. Leigh assisted Ven. Ayya Khema’s teaching on retreat since 1994, and continues to teach in Europe and North America.

Cost: This retreat is given on a donation basis (dana). There is no fixed price; however, at the end of the retreat, you will be given a opportunity to help pay the costs of the retreat and make a donation to the teacher. There is a Registration Fee of $100. Please Contact Geoffrey Landis at (505) 471-6244 for further information or to register.

I’m happy to answer questions from anyone who’s considering attending the retreat.

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