Full Moon Festival

What will happen when form collides with emptiness,
and what will happen when perception enters non-perception?
Come here with me, friend.
Let's watch together.
Do you see the two clowns, life and death
setting up a play on a stage?
Here comes Autumn.
The leaves are ripe.
Let the leaves fly.
A festival of colors, yellow, red.
The branches have held on to the leaves
during Spring and Summer.
This morning they let them go.
Flags and lanterns are displayed.
Everyone is here at the Full Moon Festival.

Friend, what are you waiting for?
The bright moon shines above us.
There are no clouds tonight.
Why bother to ask about lamps and fire?
Why talk about cooking dinner?
Who is searching and who is finding?
Let us just enjoy the moon, all night.

-Thich Nhat Hanh

Barbara suggests the following reading ‘Inside the Now’ by Thich Nhat Hanh

Pricing for registration:

Adults $ 475

Teacher Dana Suggestion $150

Registration for Open Way Community opens August 1st. Registration for General Public opens August 8th.

*Open Way Community practices with OW local Montana sanghas and/or OW retreats.

RETREAT INFORMATION FOLLOWS

LOCATION: Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp on Flathead Lake, Lakeside, Montana

SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE: Open Way Sangha offers scholarships of $50.00 per person. If you request a payment plan or an additional scholarship from your local sangha, please notify us at registration.

DANA/DONATION REQUEST: Dharma Teacher Dana (Generosity) By tradition, Dharma teachers do not charge for their services, and the retreat cost does not include teacher dana. Our teachers are here because of the generosity given to them by past retreatants. They will be able to continue sharing their presence, experience, and wisdom in the future because of the dana gathered at this retreat. For regularly employed participants, we suggest $150, less if conditions are not favorable at this time, and more is appreciated if conditions allow. Dana is not a requirement but is always greatly appreciated. You may include Dana with your registration payment, or there will be a Dana Box at the retreat for contributions. Family retreats: Children’s dana is a part of what the parent generously gives as dana.

CANCELLATION POLICY: Cancellations received BEFORE September 10th will be granted a full refund, less a $15 cancellation fee. If you cancel after September 10th you will receive NO refund because our numbers will have been turned in, and the camp will charge us for you whether you attend or not. EXCEPTIONS: If we fill your spot, we will do our best to refund your portion.

PHYSICAL & MENTAL HEALTH STATEMENT: This meditation retreat is not a physical or mental health treatment and does not provide physical or mental health treatment resources.  If you are under treatment for a physical or mental condition, please consult your medical provider regarding the appropriateness of this experience for persons with your condition. If you are experiencing life trauma, emotional upheaval, or instability that might require individual support beyond our scheduled meetings with teachers, the retreat format may not be a good match at this time. Should you have questions, please contact the retreat organizers listed.

LODGING & ROOMS: Most retreatants are assigned to shared lodging options, which will spaciously sleep about 3-5 people, have their own bathroom, and are well-heated. Single housing is limited; we will do our best to house you with adequate space in cabins, dorms, or rooms. We do not place anyone on top bunks.

CAMPING: If you wish to camp, you may bring a tent or a camper. There are NO hookups available on site. You will have access to a shared heated bathhouse.

RETREAT SCHEDULE

This is a tentative retreat schedule. Please click the plus symbol to expand the schedule.

Please plan on attending the entire retreat - Thursday evening through Sunday afternoon.

FOR QUESTIONS AND MORE INFORMATION, EMAIL: OWretreats@gmail.com

Please contact owretreats@gmail.com to be added to our email list.

RETREAT REGISTRATION: J and Terri

RETREAT PLANNING TEAM: Sandi, Gina, J and Terri

SAVE THE DATE FOR:

2027 Retreat Dates:

Spring Retreat: April 29 - May 2

Fall Retreat: September 23 - 26