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May 14-16, 2010, Stoneville, NC

"Happiness is Here and Now"

A Weekend Residential Meditation Retreat

in the Tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh

with

Chan Huy and Leslie Rawls

St. Francis Springs Retreat Center

“To live diligently and attentively, to learn about what is wonderfully true, and to be free of wrong perceptions- this is the greatest happiness. To live together in the world with mind and heart undisturbed, all sorrows ended, dwelling in peace - this is the greatest happiness. For he or she who accomplishes this, peaceful and safe in every place, stable and free at any time - happiness lives within oneself.”

– Buddha, "Discourse on Happiness"

"The way we live our daily lives is what most affects the situation of the world. If we can change our daily lives, then we can change our governments and can change the world."

-Thich Nhat Hanh

Deep River Sangha is pleased to offer another weekend meditation retreat with Dharma Teachers Chan Huy and Leslie Rawls at the beautiful St. Francis Spring Prayer Center in Stoneville, N.C. Our retreat's theme -- "Happiness is Here and Now" -- expresses the insight that in each present moment we have the opportunity to water the seeds of loving kindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity, so that happiness manifests in our lives and the lives of our loved ones.

About Our Retreat

We will experience sitting and walking meditation, delicious vegetarian meals enjoyed through mindful eating, meditation instruction, Dharma talks, and question-and-answer sessions. Meditation beginners and experienced meditators alike are welcome.

The retreat will begin at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, May 14, 2010, and will conclude after lunch on Sunday, May 16. To maintain a focused environment for all, please plan to arrive on time and to stay for the entire retreat. Directions to the retreat, information on what to bring, and a schedule will be sent with your registration confirmation. The registration fee covers lodging, meals, and other retreat expenses. A limited number of partial scholarships are available.

St. Francis Springs Prayer Center is an inter-faith prayer and retreat center located on 140 beautiful and peaceful wooded acres in Stoneville, N.C (approximately 30 miles north of Greensboro). The 25,000 sq. ft. facility provides a comfortable and peaceful environment – the ideal setting for this rejuvenating and enriching retreat. For more information, visit www.stfrancissprings.com.

About the Teachers

Chan Huy comes from a family with four generations of Thich Nhat Hanh’s students, from his grandmother to his two daughters. Born in Vietnam, Chan Huy was raised in France as a Vietnamese Buddhist. He now lives in Ottawa, Canada where he works as Project Manager of the Canadian Forces Health Care Reform Project. His clear pragmatic teaching style helps us understand and deeply touch the practice of mindfulness. Chan Huy's warm and engaging manner emanates joy for the practice. His name, translated as “True Radiance,” captures his essence. Chan Huy is among the most accomplished and articulate of Thich Nhat Hanh’s Dharma teachers.

Leslie Rawls has studied Buddhism since 1970, but her study did not become a living practice until she encountered her teacher, Thich Nhat Hanh, two decades later. In 1995 Thich Nhat Hanh ordained Leslie into the Order of Interbeing with the Dharma name Chan Giâc Xú, "True Ground of Awakening." Leslie edited The Mindfulness Bell from 1996–2001 and helped coordinate retreats with Thich Nhat Hanh and his North American Dharma Teachers for several years in the 1990's. In January 2009, Thich Nhat Hanh gave her lamp transmission as his Dharma Teacher. Leslie is the resident teacher of the Charlotte (NC) Community of Mindfulness. She leads retreats and Days of Mindfulness across the Carolinas. Leslie also practices with North Carolina inmate Sanghas.

Chan Huy and Leslie Rawls at March 2009 Retreat

St. Francis Springs Prayer Center

How to Register

Rooms filled quickly for our March 2009 retreat with these two wonderful Dharma Teachers at St. Francis Springs, so you are encouraged to register early for this special retreat! Once all available spaces are filled, registrations for commuters will be accepted (see below).

To register, use the online registration form available here and send your check for the registration fee to the address on the form. For more information, email bill@deepriversangha.org.

Registration fee (includes all meals):

$210 (double/triple)

$150 Commuters - meals only

Cancellation policy: if notification of cancellation is received prior to April 16, 2010, all but $20 of the registration fee will be refunded.

Events and Retreats
May 14-16, 2010, Stoneville, NC "Happiness is Here and Now" A Weekend Residential Meditation Retreat in the Tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh with Chan Huy and Leslie Rawls St. Francis Springs Retreat Center “To live diligently and attentively, to learn about what is wonderfully true, and to be free of wrong perceptions- this is the greatest happiness. To live together in the world with mind and heart undisturbed, all sorrows ended, dwelling in peace - this is the greatest happiness. For he or she who accomplishes this, peaceful and safe in every place, stable and free at any time - happiness lives within oneself.” – Buddha, "Discourse on Happiness" "The way we live our daily lives is what most affects the situation of the world. If we can change our daily lives, then we can change our governments and can change the world." -Thich Nhat Hanh Deep River Sangha is pleased to offer another weekend meditation retreat with Dharma Teachers Chan Huy and Leslie Rawls at the beautiful St. Francis Spring Prayer Center in Stoneville, N.C. Our retreat's theme -- "Happiness is Here and Now" -- expresses the insight that in each present moment we have the opportunity to water the seeds of loving kindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity, so that happiness manifests in our lives and the lives of our loved ones. About Our Retreat We will experience sitting and walking meditation, delicious vegetarian meals enjoyed through mindful eating, meditation instruction, Dharma talks, and question-and-answer sessions. Meditation beginners and experienced meditators alike are welcome. The retreat will begin at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, May 14, 2010, and will conclude after lunch on Sunday, May 16. To maintain a focused environment for all, please plan to arrive on time and to stay for the entire retreat. Directions to the retreat, information on what to bring, and a schedule will be sent with your registration confirmation. The registration fee covers lodging, meals, and other retreat expenses. A limited number of partial scholarships are available. St. Francis Springs Prayer Center is an inter-faith prayer and retreat center located on 140 beautiful and peaceful wooded acres in Stoneville, N.C (approximately 30 miles north of Greensboro). The 25,000 sq. ft. facility provides a comfortable and peaceful environment – the ideal setting for this rejuvenating and enriching retreat. For more information, visit www.stfrancissprings.com. About the Teachers Chan Huy comes from a family with four generations of Thich Nhat Hanh’s students, from his grandmother to his two daughters. Born in Vietnam, Chan Huy was raised in France as a Vietnamese Buddhist. He now lives in Ottawa, Canada where he works as Project Manager of the Canadian Forces Health Care Reform Project. His clear pragmatic teaching style helps us understand and deeply touch the practice of mindfulness. Chan Huy's warm and engaging manner emanates joy for the practice. His name, translated as “True Radiance,” captures his essence. Chan Huy is among the most accomplished and articulate of Thich Nhat Hanh’s Dharma teachers. Leslie Rawls has studied Buddhism since 1970, but her study did not become a living practice until she encountered her teacher, Thich Nhat Hanh, two decades later. In 1995 Thich Nhat Hanh ordained Leslie into the Order of Interbeing with the Dharma name Chan Giâc Xú, "True Ground of Awakening." Leslie edited The Mindfulness Bell from 1996–2001 and helped coordinate retreats with Thich Nhat Hanh and his North American Dharma Teachers for several years in the 1990's. In January 2009, Thich Nhat Hanh gave her lamp transmission as his Dharma Teacher. Leslie is the resident teacher of the Charlotte (NC) Community of Mindfulness. She leads retreats and Days of Mindfulness across the Carolinas. Leslie also practices with North Carolina inmate Sanghas. Chan Huy and Leslie Rawls at March 2009 Retreat St. Francis Springs Prayer Center How to Register Rooms filled quickly for our March 2009 retreat with these two wonderful Dharma Teachers at St. Francis Springs, so you are encouraged to register early for this special retreat! Once all available spaces are filled, registrations for commuters will be accepted (see below). To register, use the online registration form available here and send your check for the registration fee to the address on the form. For more information, email bill@deepriversangha.org. Registration fee (includes all meals): $210 (double/triple) $150 Commuters - meals only Cancellation policy: if notification of cancellation is received prior to April 16, 2010, all but $20 of the registration fee will be refunded.

Events and Retreats