Retreats, Weekly Meditation Group & Courses

 

Retreats:

June 2008

One Day Mini-Retreat
Taking Refuge In Stillness

Sunday June 29, 2008
9am-3:30pm
Fee: $70

Give yourself the opportunity to enter the deep stillness of meditation,
like diving into the clear inviting waters of a quiet lake,
come and refresh yourself.
All are welcome!
A light vegetarian meal is included.

Advance Registration Required
914-234-4800
Led by Lawrence Edwards, Ph.D.

 

November 2008

Mysteries of the Divine Feminine
and Kundalini Empowerment

November dates to be announced, 2008
Friday evening 7pm- Sunday 3:30pm
Led by Lawrence Kalidas Edwards, Ph.D.

The extraordinary power of Consciousness to transcend the mind and body, indeed the entire world, and thereby to know the Infinite directly, is called Kundalini in the yogic tradition. This power of Consciousness is innate to everyone and is often depicted as a goddess. The Divine Feminine as the Great Goddess both creates the many forms that bind us and it is She who releases us from that bondage. It is by Her grace that ultimate, lasting freedom is won. She is known in some form in every spiritual tradition, from Mother Mary to Inanna, from Ma Kali to Tara. In this retreat people will be guided through practices that awaken and unfold the inner power of meditation, Kundalini. With that light of Consciousness we will explore the archetypal realms of wisdom, grace and transcendence. Through empowered mantra, shaktipat diksha, chanting, breath work, and the profound tales of the Eastern and Western mystical traditions we will further access the inner source of true knowledge, wisdom and freedom. That inner source is your own highest Self, the Divine within, beyond all forms. This retreat is for men and women. We all have but one divine Self! Kundalini, the power of the Self to know Its Self awakens the most profound levels of meditation and transformation. There is nothing more potent, nothing more liberating, nothing more empowering. Come and discover the real secret code that reveals the deeply satisfying and enriching meaning of life and access to your own divine wisdom.

Friday 7-9pm; Sat. 9am-5pm and 7-9pm;
Sunday 9am-3:30pm
$270 Registration Fee

Includes light vegetarian meals.
Additional meals and accommodations extra.
Preregistration required
Call 914-234-4800
Register early.
Checks can be made out to Anam Cara, Inc.
Mail registration to:
Anam Cara, Inc.
P.O. Box 215
Bedford Hills, NY 10507

Special week long fasting program will be offered in conjunction with the retreat. The fasting program will be led by Dr. Michael Finkelstein and begin on October 26th. It is a great way to cleanse and heal the body. For more information please visit SunRaven.org.

Refund Policy:
Full refund given if cancellation is received 8 weeks prior to the program or if the program has to be canceled for any reason. 50% refund given if canceled 4-8 weeks in advance. If you cancel within 2-4 weeks of the retreat no refund is given and 50% may be applied to a future program. The balance will be received as a tax deductible gift to Anam Cara, Inc. Last minute cancellations are non-refundable.

Sharings from people who have attended this retreat:

Very powerful energy came through the empowerment ritual, the chants, meditations and when you touched my head it felt like a liquid golden energy flowed in. I love your interpretations and guidance on myths, the Vedic texts, etc. It was all beautiful, profound and full of love.
K.R., artist/entrepreneur, Tennessee

I came without expectations and am leaving with a wealth of potential, feeling lighter, having shed some armor that no longer served.
A.C., herbalist/healer, NY

I experienced transformation on a very deep level. Lawrence is a master!
T.O., accountant/lawyer, New York

The Kundalini week-end spoke to my love of ceremony and experience beyond the mind. First was the preparation, the offering, the invitation to let go of “who you think you are”. It felt solemn and blessed. Then the movement to the descent, the unknown, the darkness. For me this was a time of struggle and resistance while simultaneously being held by the larger loving presence of the group. I can only relate it to the experience of giving birth, laboring in the service of new life. The final stage opened me to energy, light and peace. I was so aware of the thread that existed between all of us who had gone on this journey together. It is such a relief to remember that we are all one.
J.K, LCSW, NY

The empowerment ritual had very powerful energy come through. I felt the Kundalini-Holy Spirit-heart connection. I was also impressed with the beautiful people who attended this weekend - all with deep waters.
L.B.; therapist, NY

Words are difficult to convey what I feel, sense, experience - still, although the intense impact of the weekend has faded, the memory is still alive and I feel the Kundalini alive and active within me. I had no expectation of the intense experience of Kundalini moving through me again when I came to the retreat. But, in the safety you provided, your warmth,caring and presence, as well as your skill in preparing and leading us toward the Kundalini you created fertile ground for the Kundalini to emerge. I was open to the experience of the weekend, whatever it would be, with no fear or desire for anything to happen or not happen. It's been 30 years since the last intense devastating cataclysmic experience with Kundalini, and I think I've been going through a lot of internal preparation for many years for this to open again. This experience was very different with the Light streaming down from above into the crown chakra moving through all the chakras, along with the intense vibrations, shaking, tears that flowed voluminously. It seems to me to be a full circle from the last experience, this time integrating rather than fracturing.

I feel different inside now - more solid and lighter - more connected internally and externally, many opposite qualities seeming to coexist side by side, marrying, joining, yet existing on their own within me as I feel more centered, open, connected on many levels - particularly to a vast pervasive quietness within that I am constantly aware of simply by turning my attention to the inner. Warmth and energy flows through my body as I continue to feel many signs of Kundalini within me. There's a qualitative difference I feel inside since the retreat.

K.L. - psychotherapist, California

I can't thank you enough, Lawrence, for your wonderful nurturing support for each of us as well as your openness and skill in facilitating the Kundalini emerging.

Anam Cara, Inc. is a nonprofit organization founded by Dr. Edwards for teaching people meditative practices.

Directions to 501 Guard Hill Rd, Bedford, NY 10506:
From Mt. Kisco take Rt. 172 east, from in front of the hospital, toward Rt. 684. At your second light turn left onto McLain Ave. Take McLain through the stop sign and keep going 'til you go through a sharp S curve with Guard Hill Rd going off to the right on that curve. Take Guard Hill Rd, over Rt. 684, past the clock tower, and then to #501. You will see a mailbox for 491 and that is the driveway for 501. The red with gray trim carriage house is just inside the driveway on your left. Pull in as far as you can and park. Please arrive early. Bring a blanket, cushion and something for writing.
From Bedford take Rt. 22 north and make a left onto Guard Hill Rd. just after leaving the center of town. 501 will be on your left about a a mile or so up the road. 

Refund Policy:
Full refund given if cancellation is received 8 weeks prior to the program or if the program has to be canceled for any reason. 50% refund given if canceled 4-8 weeks in advance. If you cancel within 2-4 weeks of the retreat no refund is given and 50% may be applied to a future program. The balance will be received as a tax deductible gift to Anam Cara, Inc. Last minute cancellations are non-refundable.

 

Meditation Group:

Tuesday Nights, 7:30-8:45 pm
Sponsored by Anam Cara, Inc., Bedford Hills, NY.
All are welcome! For information call 914-234-4800, directions are written below.

Swatantriya Meditation - The meditation of absolute freedom. Swatantriya Meditation is based on the inner power of Consciousness called Kundalini. It embraces and empowers all meditation techniques to take one beyond the ordinary confines of the mind. This is the primary form of meditation that Lawrence teaches.

Directions to 501 Guard Hill Rd, Bedford, NY:
From Mt. Kisco take Rt. 172 east, from in front of the hospital, toward Rt. 684. At your second light turn left onto McLain Ave. Take McLain through the stop sign and keep going until you go through a sharp S curve with Guard Hill Rd going off to the right on that curve. Take Guard Hill Rd, over Rt. 684, past the clock tower, and then to #501. You will see a mailbox for 491 and that is the driveway for 501. The red with gray trim carriage house is just inside the driveway on your left. Pull in as far as you can and park. Please arrive early. Bring a blanket, cushion and something for writing.
From Bedford take Rt. 22 north and make a left onto Guard Hill Rd. just after leaving the center of town. 501 will be on your left about a half mile or so up the road.

If the group is going to be canceled on any evening due to bad weather or some other circumstance, then a message on 914-234-4800 will state that the group is canceled for that evening.

 

Scientific research shows that there are many health benefits to meditation, including lowering cholesterol levels and blood pressure and empowering one to be more stress resistant. You will learn all you need to continue a meditation practice at home so that you can reap the many rewards of meditation. The course will give you the experience of several different types of meditation techniques and help you to develop a comfortable meditation posture. Eastern and Western meditation techniques, mantra, chanting, the philosophy and psychology of meditation and the scientific research on meditation will be explored during the course.

To register for this course contact Lawrence Edwards, Ph.D. at 914-234-4800

 

Meditation for Health and Wellbeing

One Day Meditation Course
Date To Be Announced

Anam Cara, Inc., Bedford, NY
Fee: $120, includes light vegetarian lunch.
To register call 914-234-4800
9am-3:30pm
One day meditation course for those new to meditation or for those already practicing. You will learn all you need to know to develop a meditation practice for yourself at home. We will cover mindfulness meditation, use of mantra, sitting postures, working with the breath, chanting and more. The presentation will include a powerpoint slide show on the tremendous scientific research being done on the numerous health benefits to meditation. Learn to meditate and gain the many these benefits that range from lower cholesterol levels to increased immune system strength and greater joy in living!

 

Lectures:

The Science & Art of Meditation

7-8:30pm
Date to be announced, 2007
$25
To register call: 914-234-4800
Anam Cara, Inc.
Bedford, NY

In this popular seminar Dr. Edwards will present the compelling scientific research on the extraordinary health benefits of meditation. From reducing stress, to improving sleep and reducing cholesterol, meditation improves the quality of life for practitioners. During this seminar you will also learn specific meditation techniques to use on your own as you integrate the art of meditation into your daily life.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Past Programs - We're hoping to have H.E. Tsewang Seetar Rinpoche back with us in 2008

September 2004:

Red Vajrasattva Mahasiddhi and
Long Life Blessing with
H.E. Tsewang Seetar Rinpoche

September 24-26, 2004
Friday Evening 7pm through Sunday afternoon at 4pm.
Long Life Blessing alone: 7-9 pm Friday evening.

Tsewang Seetar Rinpoche

We have the extraordinary privilege of having His Eminence Tsewang Seetar Rinpoche, head of the ancient Sangye Teng monastery in Bhutan, offering the rare and powerful Red Vajrasattva empowerment and teachings; and the Long-life blessing on this weekend retreat. His Eminence will be accompanied by the highly regarded artist Lama Pema Tenzin who will assist him during the retreat.

Red Vajrasattva
Painted by Lama Pema Tenzin

His Eminence has said, "the Red Vajrasattva Mahasiddhi has the ability to accomplish in a brief time a tremendous amount of spiritual progress. It is known, for example, that a seven-day Red Vajrasattva Mahasiddhi can accomplish benefits similar to those gained in a Three Year Retreat. The Red Vajrasattva Mahasiddhi is therefore the most effective way to engage in Buddhist practice and to bring benefit and happiness to living beings... In general, the afflictive mental states (greed, anger, delusion, pride, envy, etc.) of those involved in the Red Vajrasattva Mahasiddhi are reduced and eliminated... In the long-term, the sublime state of Buddhahood will be gradually attained."

The Long Life Blessing on Friday night may be taken alone. Amitayus is the Buddha of Infinite Life, and therefore the patron of longevity and the ability to overcome obstacles to the continuance of life. Initiation into a practice of Amitayus through the Long Life Blessing helps to prolong the practitioners life so that he or she may accomplish the Dharma and accumulate merit on behalf of all living beings.

The suggested donation for the entire retreat is $275.

After September 15th the registration fee is $300.

The suggested donation for the Long Life Blessing, Friday evening from 7-9 pm, is $30.

For those in financial need a fee reduction is available.

Meals will not be served at the site, there are restaurants nearby.

ACCOMMODATIONS:

There are hotels 20 minutes drive away in Fishkill, NY. Marriot, Holiday Inn, and Hampton Inn for those wishing to stay in the area. The Buddhist Chuan Yen monastery, inaugurated by H.H. the Dalai Lama, with the Great Buddha Hall, the largest statue of the Buddha in the Western hemisphere is 5 miles from the retreat.

The retreat will be held at:
Clearpool, 33 Clearpool Rd, Carmel, NY 10512

PLEASE REGISTER BY SEPTEMBER 15TH BY PAYING IN FULL FOR THE RETREAT ($275). Cancellations before September 1st will receive a 50% refund. After September 1st there will be no refunds unless the program is canceled for any reason.

To register please call:
Lawrence Edwards, Ph.D.: 914-234-4800.
Checks should be made payable to: Anam Cara, Inc. and mailed with reservation information to:
Lawrence Edwards, Ph.D.
P.O. Box 215
Bedford Hills, NY 10507

Participants need to be registered and at the retreat by 6:30 Friday evening. The program will begin at 7pm.

Anam Cara, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the teaching and practice of meditative disciplines.

 

 

Nurse Practitioners Association Conference
July 10-13, 2002 N. Falmouth, Cape Cod, MA
Audio tapes available from NPAC

The Principles of Meditation: July 13th 8am-Noon 3.6 CEU's
Four hour experiential workshop covering the research on meditation, the practice of meditation, the philosophy and psychology of meditation and the basics of teaching meditation.

The Benefits of Kundalini Yoga: July 13th 1-5pm 3.6 CEU's
Four hour experiential workshop on the practice of Kundalini Yoga, including a review of the research on the health benefits of yoga, an exploration of the subtle body and the energy system of chakras, delving into the nature of Kundalini and practicing various yoga postures and mantras for attuning oneself to Kundalini

 

 

Sunday, June 17, 2001 Boulder, Colorado:

Dr. Edwards will be giving a training seminar entitled The Mythic Journey Through Illness, as part of the ISSSEEM annual conference that runs from June 15-20, 2001. The soul's journey through life, including its paths through disease and other challenges, is marked by its search for meaning and wisdom. As clinicians and healers we can assist in this search at times when it is often most urgent. In this seminar, maps of the journey will be explained and techniques for engaging the person in their quest for meaning and mastery will be taught. Visit www.issseem.org for more information. An audio tape of this presentation can be ordered through ISSSEEM.

 

The Inner Realms: Clearing Darkness & Birthing Light Through Meditation
Lecture with chanting and meditation, October 14, 2001, 10:30 AM at the Universalist Unitarian Church on Rt. 172 in Mt. Kisco, NY. Call 914-241-1360. An audio tape of this program is available. Contact Lawrence.

 

 

 

 

 

Home Book Author Kali Kundalini Meditation Resources Events Contact