Sunday, May 18th from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm IN PERSON & ON ZOOM

We invite you to join John Bruna, former Buddhist monk and beloved spiritual director of the Way of Compassion Dharma Center, for a full-day retreat exploring one of the most essential contemplations in Buddhist practice—the preciousness of our human life and how to make it truly meaningful.

About the Retreat

In these challenging times, it’s easy to overlook the extraordinary opportunity we have each day to cultivate well-being, resiliency and meaning. In this daylong retreat, John Bruna will gently and clearly guide participants through reflections and teachings on how to recognize the rare and fortunate conditions of our human existence and extract its essence—living with greater awareness of the true causes of genuine happiness and liberation from the causes of suffering.

Drawing from classical Buddhist teachings and infused with his characteristic warmth, humility, and real-life wisdom, John will help us explore:

• What makes this human birth “rare and precious”
• Why recognizing this truth is essential to spiritual growth
• How we can overcome distraction, hesitation, and self-doubt
• Practical ways to live more mindfully, compassionately, and intentionally

The retreat will include teaching sessions, guided meditations, contemplative exercises, and opportunities for personal reflection and discussion. Whether you are a long-time practitioner or newly exploring the Dharma, this retreat offers a space to reconnect with what matters most and to deepen your sense of purpose and presence.

As John often reminds us in his teachings, “It is not what we have, but how we live that determines the quality of our life.” This rare and precious human life offers us the potential for deep transformation—not someday, but here and now. This retreat is an invitation to pause, reflect and step into the life you truly wish to live, supported by the Dharma and a compassionate community.

COST: The Dharma Center operates on the gift economy and the cost of the daylong is on a two-part sliding scale. The fee that you offer through the registration system ($50, $70, $89, or $108 or scholarship options of $25 or $10) supports our nonprofit, which pays the costs of the building, utilities, website, administration, etc. In keeping with our 2,600-year-old tradition, the teacher of the class is not compensated but rather shares the teachings freely. In turn, you are invited into the practice of dana, or generosity, a gift economy system that has been alive since the time of the Buddha. You are invited to make a donation to support the teacher in continuing their valuable work. Donations in any amount whatsoever are gratefully received, and the practice of generosity is always elective.

DATE: Sunday, May 18th from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm

LOCATION: Durango Dharma Center, 1800 East Third Avenue, Suite 109 in Durango and Zoom

To Register: Durango Dharma Center Registration

QUESTIONS: If you have questions, please reach out to Kurt, at registrar@durangodharma.org or 970-426-8983.