Already Good: A BIPOC Retreat on Bodhicitta
Teacher
Kate Johnson
When
July 9-11, 2027
Where
Galilee Centre, Arnprior, ON
Bodhicitta — the awakened heart-mind, our inherent goodness — is our most fundamental nature. Our practice is learning to recognize and express that truth.
Bodhicitta has two dimensions, which are not really separate. Relative bodhicitta is active and tender: the practice of turning toward suffering, rather than tuning out or turning away. Absolute bodhicitta is that vast, open awareness that underlies all experience. Learning to rest in openness is what makes our caring sustainable. Allowing ourselves to care deeply is what keeps our openness connected with all of life.
For those of us who are BIPOC, these teachings land with particular resonance. We know what it means to open our hearts in love as we meet our own and each others' suffering, and we know the wisdom of interdependence and the love that is non-separation. This retreat invites us to bring that knowing more fully and continuously into our direct experience through our dharma practice — in affinity space, among people who share the specific textures of our experience.
Our time together will include guided meditations, dharma talks, contemplative inquiry, and space for questions and reflection. We will share mindful meals, observe noble silence, and rest in the natural world. The retreat is open to BIPOC practitioners of all experience levels.
Teacher
Kate Johnsons
Kate Johnson is a Buddhist meditation teacher, author, and utterly unprofessional dancer. Trained in the Western Insight/ Theravada lineage, with roots in the Thai Forest tradition, Kate is a member of the Stewarding Teachers Council at Spirit Rock Meditation Center, where she leads residential retreats and co-teaches the Community Dharma Leaders Program (CDL). Currently, she also serves as Executive Director of the Buddhist Peace Fellowship, an organization that offers skill building and spiritual support for peacemakers, grounded in Buddhist ethics and collective care.
Kate loves integrating spiritual practice, community and creativity in all her work. She holds a BFA in Dance from the Ailey School/Fordham University, an MA in Performance Studies from NYU, and is currently engaged in the Buddhist Chaplaincy Training at Upaya Zen Center. Kate is the author of the book Radical Friendship: Seven Ways to Love Yourself and Find Your People in an Unjust World, and the mother of a five year old pop star, who is one of her greatest teachers yet.
Registration Information
LOCATION: Galilee Centre: 398 John St N, Arnprior, ON K7S 2P6.
Galilee Centre is a holistic spiritual life centre that welcomes retreats accommodating the needs of a wide audience, including Dharma organizations. Please note there are Christian symbols on the site.
This retreat centre has a mix of double and single rooms, with shared washrooms. Single rooms will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, according to the order in which registrations are received.
ARRIVAL TIME: 3:30 - 5 pm, Friday, July 9. The retreat will conclude by lunch on Sunday, July 11. Everyone is welcome to stay for lunch.
COST: TNI is dedicated to offering affordable rates to all. TNI retreat fees are on a sliding scale basis that allows participants to pay according to individual means. Fees do not include compensation for the teachings, and teachers rely on the generosity of retreatants for a sustainable income. There is an opportunity to offer dana (donations) to the teachers at the end of each retreat.
A deposit of 50% of the base rate is required to register to the retreat. The deposit is included in all of our fees.
- Benefactor: $850
- Sustaining: $680
- Base: $460
- Reduced: $370
- Scholarship: $230. (There is no cap on scholarship spots for this retreat—financial assistance is open to all who need it.)
◆ Deposit : $230
So that TNI can offer this form of financial assistance to as many as possible, we invite you to contribute at the highest rate that feels possible for you.
Benefactor
The Benefactor rate provides the opportunity to offer more substantial support for TNI.
Sustaining
The Sustaining rate represents the actual cost to TNI to operate our programs. If you can afford this level or higher, you assist our efforts to offer lower sliding-scale rates and ongoing financial subsidies.
Base
The Base rate covers 69 % of what is needed to run our organization. To balance our budget and to wisely steward our resources, donations must supplement our registration income.
Reduced
Payment at the Reduced rate covers only 55 % of what is needed to run our organization. To balance our budget and to wisely steward our resources, donations must supplement our registration income.
Scholarship
TNI offers scholarships providing a reduction of up to 50% on the base rate on our sliding scale to those who request them. Scholarships are available for a limited number of places. There is no cap on scholarship spots for this retreat—financial assistance is open to all who need it.
Important Information