Enlightenment Intensives
Origin of the Enlightenment Intensive
Charles Berner
The Enlightenment Intensive Retreat was inspired by three unique self awareness practices fused together by Charles Berner in 1968. Two of them originated from ancient and Eastern practices and the third is a newer Western approach.
The Three Unique Self Awareness Practices
Zen Sesshin
1st Eastern Practice
A Zen sesshin is a self awareness retreat that has been practiced for over 3000 years. It originally came from China before it migrated to Japan where it became popular in the 12th Century. Today, it is still used and practiced in Japan and around the world. The Enlightenment Intensive Retreat borrowed certain elements from the zen sesshin, notably the use of a 'koan.' A koan is a riddle-like question that helps a meditator focus and directly experience into the fundamental truths of life. Hundreds have been developed over the years. "What is the sound of one hand" and "What was your face before you were born," are two well known koans. The practice of contemplating on a 'koan isn't concerned with philosophy, ideas or religion, but with first hand direct seeing into the nature of one's own being .
Ramana Maharshi
2nd Eastern Practice
The Enlightenment Intensive Retreat makes use of the koan, 'who am I.' This riddle like question is a yoga meditation that dates back 10,000 years. Its modern proponent, Ramana Maharshi, lived a simple life in India. He taught during the first part of the 20th Century inspiring a constant stream of local and international visitors who sought his company and spiritual guidance. His guidance was always the same. "Seek to know yourself. Practice self inquiry by asking yourself, 'who am I' then you will know everything."
Relating Dyads
Western Approach
Dyad is a Greek word that means 'two'. A relating dyad is two people who work together to bring about a complete communication through openness and focused listening. This powerful process of relating is the fuel that accelerates the effects of these ancient enlightenment practices.
Upcoming 2025
Opening Enlightenment Intensives
"The Enlightenment Intensive is a process that may highlight one's own habitual mental obstacles to peace and self-realization - and so may be challenging. The process supports a natural, gentle insight and surrender of these obstacles that allows a radical, joyful transformation of consciousness."
~Paul Weiss, Enlightenment Master
