2022 Spring Retreat

One Buddha is Not Enough
Being Peace in the 21st Century
A 2-Day Commuter Retreat in the Tradition of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh
May 20, 2022 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM EDT (Virtual via ZOOM) See "Retreating at Home" - below
May 21, 2022 9:00 Am - 5:00 PM EDT (Hybrid: choose In-Person or ZOOM participation)
Sorry - effective 5/5/2022 our In-Person option is now Closed. (full)

"In order to save our planet Earth, we must have a collective awakening. Individual awakening is not enough.
That is why one Buddha is not enough." Thich Nhat Hanh

Please join us as we cultivate the qualities of peace, solidity and freedom through meditation, relaxation, and deep reflection with Dharma Teacher Chu Chan Huy.

Beginners and seasoned practitioners alike can benefit from the calm and insights generated by
sitting with Laughing Rivers Sangha.

Cost:  A sliding scale of $25-65 covers both days. Partial scholarships are available, so please register regardless of what your finances may be; we want you to join us.

Daily Themes & Schedule: TBD

Location: Friday, May 20 will be virtual; ZOOM link will be sent with registration confirmation. Saturday, May 21 will be a Hybrid gathering; choose Virtual via ZOOM or In-Person at Church of the Redeemer, 5700 Forbes Avenue, Squirrel Hill 15202. (Sorry - our In-Person option is no longer available)
Google map directions: Church of the Redeemer.

What to Wear & Bring if you are attending in-person:
* On Saturday, please arrive between 8:30 - 8:45 AM to get settled. We will begin at 9:00 AM.
* Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing; no shorts or tank tops, please!
* Your cushion and/or mat for sitting if you'd like. Some cushions, mats and chairs will be available.
* Yoga mat or blanket for deep relaxation meditation
* Umbrella, if necessary, for outdoor walking meditation
* A reusable tea or coffee cup - we will provide tea, coffee, water and light snacks
* Your favorite cloth kitchen napkin for use at lunch to help reduce waste

Retreating at Home? Set up your Home Monastery:
Identify your retreat space. De-clutter it.
Create an inspiring meditation altar and centerpiece
Set up a table for your computer so you can sit with your back and neck upright during the online sessions. (and don't forget a power source!)
Experiment with different sitting cushions, mats, chairs, etc. to be sure you can enjoy sitting comfortably… and set room on the floor for deep relaxation also.
Prepare an open space close to your sitting area where you can practice walking meditation in a small circle. We will also practice outdoor walking meditation, which can be done in a yard, on the sidewalk, or at a park or other open space near your home.

COVID Statement:  Given that we are still in the midst of the pandemic, we want to protect our community and the safety and peace of mind of each member. To that end we ask that anyone who would like to attend the in-person portion of the gathering adhere to the following:

Be fully vaccinated, including any booster shots that are due.
* Wear a KN95 or N95 mask unless you have a physical difficulty that prevents you from doing so. We will have both KN95s and N95s, as well as surgical masks, available as you enter the meditation hall.
* Sign a sheet upon arriving to provide your name, phone number and email address in case there is a need for contact tracing.
+ Please do not attend in person if you are feeling sick, experiencing any symptoms of Covid19, or have had a known exposure to someone who is experiencing symptoms of or has tested positive for Covid19.

Registration - a 2-Step Process:
1. Complete this Online Registration Form, and then:
2. Pay by check, or Pay Online with Credit Card or PayPal.
   Check-mailing information is found on the Registration Form and Confirmation.
If you wish to pay by Credit Card or PayPal, use our Donations page. Enter your appropriate Registration fee; select Pay Pal or Credit Cards, and in the "Add Note" area, add:  2022 Spring Retreat. You will receive an emailed receipt.
Note: Our space limits us to about 20 attendees for Saturday, so please register early. We will close In-person registration when we reach our limit, although ZOOM attendance will still be available. For additional information, contact Laura Langer: [email protected].

Dana - Generosity
Your registration costs help cover our teacher's travel expenses, but not other support. Dana is offering our gratitude for the teachings that are given freely, helping our Teacher with his international work of sharing the Dharma widely. All Dana received goes directly to him. Donations for the teacher are not required, but are deeply appreciated. Cash or checks can be taken at the In-Person retreat, or you can add Dana to your Registration fee if paying via our Donations page. Please add a note in the Donations form to indicate your Dana. Suggested Dana is $25.

Click Here for a PDF copy of our Retreat flyer to share