Dear Thầy,

Dear community of the Order of Interbeings and aspirants,

Once again, a new year has arrived. Welcome all to 2024, Year of the Dragon! As snow continues to cover the grounds of Blue Cliff, we are aware that Spring is just around the corner. The great Magnolia tree in front of the dining hall is full of buds, ready to bloom in time to welcome you back to Blue Cliff.

As has been a Blue Cliff tradition, the OI retreat kick-starts our Spring and retreat-offering season. Your presence and energy of practice will contribute positively to the collective energy of the whole Sangha body for the coming year.

“The Art of Happiness” is the theme of our OI retreat this year. Together, we want to explore ways to deepen the practice of touching the seeds of joy and happiness in ourselves and in others and, in turn, to transform the seeds of fear and anxiety in all of us.

April 24-28, 2024 is the date and the morning of the 28th will be the transmission ceremony for those receiving the 14 Mindfulness Trainings. For aspirants who request ordination, please send your complete packet by March 15, 2024 to OIapplications@bluecliffmonastery.org.

See you at the retreat!

A lotus for you, a Buddha to be!

The 2024 OI Retreat Organizing Team