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Links that might help
Information and maps about getting to the center via Plane or Car HERE -Please print the map if you are driving and your GPS gets lost...
- Pay your deposit or the balance of your retreat or airport pickup HERE
- Maps and GPS for Driving in. Info about arriving via Plane HERE
- Flying in Late? Recommended Inexpensive Airport Hotel.
- What to BRING on the REGISTRATION Page
- Do's and Don'ts while on Retreat : Your Daily Schedule and all the little things about the retreat that you wanted to know but couldn't remember to ask... Don't worry - you'll figure all this out quickly.
BOOK ON Tranquil-Insight Meditation
Guide to Tranquil-Insight Meditation Booklet - Learn to meditate - You will get a free copy when you arrive
Guide to Tranquil-Insight Meditation Booklet - Learn to meditate - You will get a free copy when you arrive
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Welcome to your New York Retreat!
Upon arrival, the large building which is the meditation hall, and we will show you to your sleeping place. You can text/call Dr. Saccānada Mahāthera. You are here at 646-600-0385 if you don't see anyone.
The retreat will be observed in silence with the exception of interviews, discussion at Dhamma talks, and functional communication at mealtimes such as "please pass the salt.” Bhante has requested that everyone refrain from personal contact and conversation throughout the retreat. This includes outdoors and in your quarters. If you need assistance or personal supplies during the retreat, please ask a staff member.
Please suspend all of your business affairs and family obligations before arriving. This allows you to devote all your attention to meditation practice. Dr. Saccānanda Mahāthera restricts any use of cell phones, computers, and tablets without exception. Your devices will be secured upon check-in for the duration of the retreat. They will be safely stored to insure absolute privacy and security.
Upon arrival, the large building which is the meditation hall, and we will show you to your sleeping place. You can text/call Dr. Saccānada Mahāthera. You are here at 646-600-0385 if you don't see anyone.
The retreat will be observed in silence with the exception of interviews, discussion at Dhamma talks, and functional communication at mealtimes such as "please pass the salt.” Bhante has requested that everyone refrain from personal contact and conversation throughout the retreat. This includes outdoors and in your quarters. If you need assistance or personal supplies during the retreat, please ask a staff member.
Please suspend all of your business affairs and family obligations before arriving. This allows you to devote all your attention to meditation practice. Dr. Saccānanda Mahāthera restricts any use of cell phones, computers, and tablets without exception. Your devices will be secured upon check-in for the duration of the retreat. They will be safely stored to insure absolute privacy and security.
Checking In and Arrival
ARRIVING BY CAR
- If you plan to arrive by car please arrive from 1pm to 6pm (preferably 3-4 is best)
- Please follow GPS's Instruction. It will take you directly at BVMC.
- If driving you turn right to exist 33 from Northern States Parkways. You will turn right again on the Hollow Brush Road and then turn Left on the Hicksville Road and eventually, at the end of Hicksville Road you will see corner house white and Red color, that will be your final destination. After arriving at center if you don't see anyone call Bhante's cell phone 646-600-0385 and he'll come out to greet you or have someone look for you and show you where your Room is, and where to park.
- If flying in and, you have paid for an airport pickup, we will greet you at the passenger pick up area. Please send your flight details, phone# and last connecting city, so we can check the schedule for your flight. LGA and JFK airport is quite big and but it's not hard to find anything - very small lines. We will escort you to the center and get you checked in.
- Drive up to the Center and go look for us inside the meditation hall. You can text us after arriving here. If you can't find anyone just call us at 646-600-0385 and we'll come to greet you.
- You'll get your stuff dropped at your Room and then you will fill out some paperwork and pay for the retreat if you haven't already.
- Put away your things in your Room. Make your bed and get settled.
- There are two bathroom facility with showers that you may use. You can store your towels and toiletries in the bathroom for your convenience.
- There is laundry - let us know if you wish to use it and we will show you how it works.
- Your Room has an alarm clock which you can use. Please turn in your cellphone for safekeeping and to keep you from "peeking" at your twitter! (You may keep your phone if you really need it, but please explain why you need it).
- You will be on 8 precepts the next day so let us know if you need one last meal/snack in the evening when you arrive and we will find something for you. Try to eat before you come. After that it will be two meals only and tea/coffee and some chocolate each day at 5:30PM. We do serve coffee in the morning!
- After you are settled you will be asked to come to the meditation hall to fill out an application and pay any balance for your retreat. Cell phones are turned in and last minute questions are answered.
- Depending on when you arrive, you will go to Meditation Hall where Dr. Saccānanda will give you the instructions for loving-kindness/mettā and give you more information about the retreat. This will happen around 6PM. Also at this time Bhante will be giving a Dhamma talk to the people who may already be here. You will join in the next day for the evening talk in the Dhamma Hall from then on.
- If it is later in the day you will be offered some light snack around tea time on your first day. It's good if you can eat before you arrive. We can provide a small meal upon your arrival as needed. The next day you will go on 8 precepts.
- Pick out a chair in the Dhamma Hall to listen to talks. You can meditate in the chair or on the floor - most people sit in the chairs. If a chair doesn't have anything on it, it is available. More chairs and cushions are in the back.
- Walking meditation is not done in the Hall, but rather, can be done outside on any of the gravel roads.
- When you leave please sweep your Sleeping Place, strip your sheets and pillow cases and take to laundry room and put in hamper behind door. Please leave your blankets and bedspreads in your room. Don't wash.
- If you don't have a flashlight please ask for one and use it - be careful to not step on a frogs.
- In case of Emergency your family can always contact you! Just give them the cell phone# for Bhante S. (+1) 646-600-0385