Clearing the Path: Opening the Heart and Mind

Gullu Singh, JD, Louije Kim, Dawn Mauricio and Jonathan Relucio

The Buddha spoke of five mental and emotional states that cloud the natural clarity of the heart: desire, aversion, restlessness, sloth and torpor, and doubt. These are known as the nīvaraṇāni, the hindrances, the universal experiences that make meditation feel difficult. The word nīvaraṇa means “to cover over,” so when unseen, the hindrances obscure reality, pull us out of presence, and lead us to believe that something must be fixed or changed before we can truly rest in the here and now.

On retreat, these forces often become amplified. But this intensity is not a problem—it’s a gift. It offers us the rare chance to witness the mind’s subtle strategies for disconnection with fresh eyes. Each hindrance is not a barrier, but a doorway. When met with patience, curiosity, and compassion, their grip begins to loosen. What once felt like an obstruction reveals itself as instruction.

This retreat is a deep exploration of the nīvaraṇāni as familiar companions on the path. We’ll investigate how these energies show up not only in meditation but in the fabric of daily life. Together, we’ll cultivate the liberating capacity to recognize, name, and gently release the hindrances, opening space for clarity, steadiness, and freedom to emerge.

As the hindrances settle, the heart reveals its natural radiance and qualities like kindness, calm, joy, and equanimity begin to shine forth. The mind, no longer agitated or dulled, becomes bright, pliant, and deeply receptive. In this space of quiet intimacy, we rediscover what has always been here: the possibility of awakening.

All are welcome. Whether it’s your first retreat or you’ve heard many, many talks on the hindrances, each moment is new, and the path clears one step at a time.

This retreat is silent except for teacher-led Q&A, small groups, or other practice meetings.

Registration opens at 9:00am (Pacific Time) on February 19, 2025, and closes at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) on September 14, 2025. A waiting list will be created if the retreat fills early.