Re"treat" yourself to Buddhist meditation this summer

July 3, 12:01 AMChicago Buddhism ExaminerLara Levitan

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Retreats can deepen spiritual practice or energize a stagnant meditation routine. Though the practice of meditation is personal, joining a group of like-minded individuals on a short retreat may provide the support and affirmation needed to stay focused. The following is a round-up of area temples or centers offering a peaceful refuge.

Diamond Way Buddhist Center, Weekend Retreat in Yorkville, July 10-13 in Yorkville, IL.
Students of Diamond Way, or Vajrayana, practice in the Karma Kagyu tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. The Diamond Way Buddhist Center in Ukranian Village is part of an international non-profit network of more than 500 meditation centers in the Karma Kagyu lineage. The retreat includes personal practice, lectures, and meals.

Jewel Heart Chicago, Joyful Summer Retreat, July 24-August 1 in Ann Arbor, MI
Under the leadership of Gelek Rimpoche, Jewel Heart is an educational and cultural institution practicing Tibetan Buddhism in Chicago, Ann Arbor, Cleveland, New York, and Lincoln, Nebraska. Jewel Heart was the spiritual home of Beat legend Allen Ginsberg, who was a student of Gelek Rimpoche from 1989 until Ginsberg's death in 1997. This retreat will include guided healing meditations, teachings led by Rimpoche, and opportunities for creative expression through the arts.

Blue Beryl Dharma Center, Medicine Buddha Retreat: Yoga, Meditation, Traditional Tibetan Healing, Tantric Ceremonies, August 6-9 in Peshawbestown, MI

The Blue Beryl Dharma Center is a Rime Tibetan Buddhist Meditation Center dedicated to Tibetan Buddhist teachings and culture with a focus on healing practices. According to the center's website, "[t]he name Blue Beryl refers to the earliest known illustrated treatise on Tibetan medicine, 'The Blue Beryl Treatise.' ... The original paintings from The Blue Beryl Treatise hung on the walls of Tibet's first medical college, Chagpoori Medical Institute." This specialized retreat includes yoga, purification ceremonies, healing circles, and vegan meals.

Insight Chicago, Autumn Residential Retreat, September 10-13 in Frankfort, IL

Insight Chicago is a Vipassana Meditation Group in the Theravedan or Thai Forest tradition. These retreats are held in "noble silence": A strict silence is observed except in cases of emergency, or in meetings with the teacher (in this case, Gloria Taraniya Ambriosia). Activities include meditation and walking meditation, and the the fee covers lodging, food, and use of the venue.

Keep in mind that a Buddhist meditation retreat is more intense than a weekend at the beach. If you have questions or concerns, be sure to call the specific Temple or Center.