On Sunday, October 23, Shastri Christopher St. John and Eunice St. John will lead a full-day meditation retreat, or Nyinthun, for the community in downtown Rockland. The theme for this special day is “Practicing Peace in Times of Chaos.” The retreat will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at The Dancing Elephant at 16 School Street. The program is by donation and open to the public. No previous meditation experience is required. Preregistration is requested.    

The Nyinthun is an opportunity to practice, get to know your mind and heart, and cultivate gratitude and gentleness. The environment is relaxed, friendly, and supportive. The retreat begins at 9 a.m. with tea and registration. The St. Johns will open the program at 9:30 a.m. with instruction on sitting meditation. The day will include periods of group sitting and walking, shamatha yoga, and individual meditation instruction. There will be a lunch break mid-day, and the program will close with a dharma talk on cultivating peace in challenging times. There is a half-day option for those who are not able to attend the whole day.

Shastri Christopher and Eunice St. John have been practicing, studying, and teaching in the Shambhala Buddhist tradition since 1982. Eunice served as Director of the Brunswick-Portland Shambhala Center from 2000-2005. Christopher was the Resident Director of Shambhala Training at the Brunswick-Portland Shambhala Center from 1995 to 2016. In his current role as a Shastri, or senior teacher in the Shambhala community, he oversees practice and education, including training teachers and guides within the Brunswick-Portland Shambhala Center.

The Nyinthun is open to everyone, from beginners to experienced practitioners in any tradition. The suggested donation is $35-$75, with an option to pay what you are able. For a full program description, visit www.rocklandyoga.com. To preregister or for questions, please email rachel@rocklandyoga.com or call 207-594-1694.