The Satisfied Heart 

Join us for a retreat in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh April 25-28, 2013.  Dharma Teachers Peggy Rowe-Ward and Larry Ward of The Lotus Institute will lead this retreat:

The teachings of Bodhidharma have been referred to as "bare bones Zen".  Bodhidharma did not tell his students to purify their minds.  Instead he directed them to be with the mountain, flying cranes and the movement of tigers.  In this retreat we will explore some of the practices favored by this beloved teacher.  Cultivating the heart of perfect understanding, we can experience the satisfied heart.

Great Vow Zen Monastery graciously allows us to hold an annual retreat on their grounds with members of the monastery community participating.  This silent retreat (with time for sharing and discussion) allows us to let our minds and bodies rest in the present moment.  We will have sitting and walking meditation, silent meals, group discussion, working meditation, deep relaxation, and Dharma talks.  We cultivate a practice of mindfulness, ease and love.

Retreat registration is $200 with scholarships available.  The retreat registration only covers the cost of holding the retreat at the monastery.  Our Teachers, Peggy and Larry, are paid through your donations at the retreat.

Larry Ward & Peggy Rowe-Ward        

About The Teachers

Larry Ward

Larry Ward was deeply inspired by the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and has spent his life committed to non-violent social change, healing, and transformation on a global level.  He served on the staff of the Ecumenical Institute and Institute of Cultural Affairs for twenty years as director, academy dean and master teacher.  He received his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Organizational Behavior and established his own firm providing consulting services with multinational clients.

Larry received his Christian ordination in 1972 in a ceremony involving Dr. Joseph Wesley Matthews and received Dharma Teacher Transmission in 2000 by Venerable Thich Nhat Hanh.  He is a leading proponent of Engaged Buddhism and leads retreats around the world (i.e. Vietnam, China, Korea, Canada, Mexico, France and the United States). Larry mentors ministerial students and Zen priests in the Order of Interbeing founded by Thich Nhat Hanh.  Love’s Garden: A Guide to Mindful Relationships, co-authored with his wife Peggy Rowe-Ward was acknowledged as one of the best Buddhist writings of 2009.

Larry is currently a doctoral candidate in Religious Studies majoring in Buddhism. He is the volunteer Director of The Lotus Institute and is a member of the Adjunct Faculty at University of the West. In his leisure time, Larry enjoys playing with Charlie their dog and a round of golf.

Learn more about Larry on the Lotus Institute website - http://thelotusinstitute.org

Peggy Rowe-Ward

Peggy became a student of Thich Nhat Hanh in 1991, ordained in the Order of Interbeing in 1994 and received Dharma Teacher Transmission in 2001.  She has served as a chaplain, teacher, and corporate consultant.  Currently she is teaching at several universities, and as a master trainer in trauma restabilization. She is also working with private clients in spiritual direction.  Her first love is sharing her joy in her Buddhist practice and she is at her best when she is with Sangha.  She is a gourd artist, enjoys a daily practice of yoga and walking and hugging Larry and their rescue bichon, Charlie.  She co-authored Love's Garden with Larry and also co-authored Making Friends with Time.  She incorporates movement, art, music, poetry and other forms of expression in her teaching.

Peggy holds an EdD in adult education, and a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology