The Four Immeasurables

June 26-28th, 2009
Location: Frisco Sangha (Frisco Mall)
Start time: Friday, 3:30pm
End time: Sunday, approx 1pm

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The Four Immeasurable qualities, the pinnacle highlights of Buddhist practice as well as the gateway to complete realization, are completely different from the reactive emotions associated with habit patterns. The Four Immeasurables are neither strained nor reactive…they flow from the heart, and work to transform destructive relationships, such as anger of the persecutor and fear of the victim, into an energetic moment of pure presence and potential.

These four emotionally transformative states in Buddhism are equanimity, loving-kindness, compassion, and joy. They are called the Four immeasurables because there is no limitation to their depth or scope. Unlike reactive emotions, the Four Immeasurables do not function in the service of any habituated patterns, sense of self, or personal agenda. While they are impersonal in that they are not based on personal agendas, in their expression and experience, they are intensely intimate. Their power comes from their ability to open up to a moment of presence.

Clearly, as long as our actions and feelings operate in the service of personal agendas, we will not be capable of such presence. The Fouur Immeasurables operate at a higher level of attention, a level that opens the door to profound, natural emotional responses to the exigencies of life. Equanimity dismantles our reactive judgments and prejudices about other people so that we understand and appreciate them as they are. Loving-kindness is a radiant warmth, independent of personal like and dislikes, that stops us from shutting down to others. Compassion counteracts discomfort, withdrawl, or contraction in the face of others’ pain so that we are truly present with them. And joy – unapologetic joy is being and passion for life – eliminates any envy or criticism of other people’s success or happiness.

All are welcomed to this weekend retreat led by one of Senior Dharma friends – Phillip Hedrich, a serious practitioner away on temporary leave from long retreat in Thailand.

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Full Retreat Cost: $200
Work-Study Donation: by sliding scale, please consult our work-study page for details
(Please pay at signup, non-refundable)

CDs available after the retreat for a modest production cost of $20. (MP3 format only)

Work-study is available for this retreat to help offset the cost for those who need it. Please see our Work-Study Information page for details about the program.

Please call Avtar at 970-618-1032,
Or email retreats@summitdharmacenter.org
Or use signup sheets at local classes to sign up!