Open Circle Center
Open Circle Center

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Open Circle Events:

John Prendergast ~ Taking Refuge in Not Knowing

A Rustic Weekend Retreat with John Prendergast

Saturday April 27th and Sunday April 28th

10:00am to 5:00pm, Fairfax, Marin County

Join us for a weekend retreat on beautiful private property in Fairfax for a two-day deep dive into true nature. Through dialogues, meditation, and dyadic inquiry we will explore what it means to experientially take refuge in not knowing, and to allow attention to fall into the heart and the ground.

We will also enjoy the 50 acres of ridgetop land, with glorious views of Mount Tam and the surrounding area, with many trails for walking and savoring the spring wildflowers. Weather permitting, meetings will be held outdoors in a shaded oak grove. Otherwise, we will meet inside.

John is a spiritual teacher, psychotherapist and retired adjunct professor of psychology at CIIS, known for his pioneering work in integrating nondual wisdom and psychotherapy. A long-time student of both Jean Klein and Adyashanti, he was asked to share the dharma by Dorothy Hunt.ÊJohn brings a depth of experience, insight, warmth, and compassion to his teaching work, and is especially skillful in guided meditative inquiries and one-on-one dialogues.Ê He is the author ofÊIn TouchÊ(Sounds True, 2015) and a forthcoming new book called The Deep Heart: Our Portal to Presence (Sounds True, Nov. 2019).Ê He offers quarterly daylong intensives in the Bay Area, and residential retreats and seminars around the U.S.

“Once we get over the initial shock, it is a huge relief to see and feel that we are not who, where, or when we have taken our self to be. The truth is that we donÕt know and canÕt know any of this Ð at least not with our ordinary strategic, goal-oriented mind.ÊWe discover that we can rest in not knowing. This is not the same as being ignorant. We are not ignoring anything. In fact, we are facing an important truth Ð the limits of the conditioned mind. There is a great deal in life that we donÕt know, canÕt know, and perhaps most importantly, donÕt need to know. This insight frees attention to move from its temporary residence in the forehead to the depths of the heart area. Acknowledging that we donÕt know, opens us to a different type of knowing.”

Meals

A light organic vegetarian lunch, and tea and cookies at tea time, will be provided free of charge, or you may bring your own food, or headÊout for lunch at Good Earth Natural Foods or a number of local restaurants.

Accommodation

It is expected that most attendees will commute; however, limited shared dormitory-style accommodation is available if you want to spend the night.

Registration

Pre-registration is required, as attendance is limited to 30 people.

For more information or to register, email robmschwartz@yahoo.com.

Directions and logistical details will be provided upon registration.

Suggested donation: $150

No one turned away for lack of funds.

 

 

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You’ll find an overview of the nature of our events, including the common types and formats, in our About Events page.
Most events consist of a guided or silent meditation, a talk by the teacher, and time for questions and sharing. There may be other practices such as somatic exercises, movement practice, dyads, etc. Each teacher chooses the format freely according to what they feel supports their message best, so formats may vary.
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