Open Mind, Loving Heart 

Retreat registration is temporarily full.  

Please sign up on the Wait List if you would like to attend.

Join us for a retreat in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh April 24-27, 2014.  Dharma Teacher Cheri Maples will lead this retreat:

By learning to steady the mind, meditation and mindfulness practices cultivate our capacity for an open mind and a loving heart.  By learning to steady the mind, we develop wise attention.  We learn how to nurture the ability within each of us to be less fearful, more content, and more loving.  In the process, we develop compassion for ourselves and others.

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 Teacher, Cheri, is paid through your donations at the retreat.

Cheri Maples 

About The Teacher

Cheri Maples was ordained as a Dharma Teacher by Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh in 2008.  She is the cofounder of the Center for Mindfulness & Justice, which focuses on teaching social justice grounded in the practice of mindfulness.

For 25 years Cheri worked in the Wisconsin criminal justice system, as an Assistant Attorney General, head of Probation and Parole, and police officer (earning the rank of Captain of Personnel and Training).  In 2003, she organized a retreat with Thich Nhat Hanh for criminal justice professionals.

 Cheri has been an active community organizer, working in neighborhood centers, deferred prosecution programs, and as the first Executive Director of the Wisconsin Coalition Against Domestic Violence.  Cheri was instrumental in creating the Dane County Youth Court, which is based on a prevention and restorative justice model; and the Coming Home project, a prison education and reintegration initiative.  In addition to her work as a Dharma Teacher, Cheri is an attorney, licensed clinical social worker, trainer, and organizational consultant.

This retreat is presented by the Many Rivers Order of Interbeing Sangha of Oregon and SW Washington.