The Light Within: Love, Peace and Compassion in a World of Constant Change
Description
With Ramananda John E. Welshons
Quiet Mind, Open Heart
Compassion Practices to Cultivate Serenity, Joy and Equanimity in a Challenging World
RETREAT BY INVITED PRESENTER
In times of uncertainty and constant change, it can be difficult to stay connected to peace, joy, and a sense of inner steadiness. Join renowned teacher, author, and long-time practitioner Ramananda John E. Welshons for a weekend of meditation, teaching, and discussion in the peaceful setting of the Center’s 90-acre campus. You will leave feeling encouraged, uplifted, and supported, with practical tools for living beautifully—whatever life brings.
“John is wonderfully informative, humble, funny and wise—as always, I learned important lessons from him.”
“Ramananda John E. Welshons is incredible! He is a WONDERFUL teacher!” ~ Ram Dass
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
One of Buddhism’s essential teachings is that joy is our birthright. Yet how do we access that joy when life is shaped by uncertainty, impermanence, and disappointment? How can we meet anxiety and fear with wisdom? How do we heal from the losses we carry? And how do we return to our True Nature, discovering the sacred refuge of Love, Compassion, and Peace at the center of our Being?
Explore these questions during this transformative weekend. The program includes:
- Teachings, reflections, dialogue, and dharma talks
- Discussion of practices, perspectives, and techniques to help bring meditation into daily life
- Guided group meditation
- Gentle yoga
Through meditation, dialogue, and dharma talks, this weekend offers a space for deep rest and the cultivation of Inner Peace and Equanimity, regardless of what is unfolding in our bodies, our lives, or the world around us.
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
- Intimate setting with personal access to the teacher
- Interactive sessions with questions and answers
- Guided meditations, including sitting, walking, and lying-down meditation
- Gentle yoga, optional
- Delicious, healthy vegetarian food
- Beautiful accommodations
- Option to extend your stay on Personal Retreat
- Extensive library of dharma books
- Expansive wooded grounds with beautiful walking trails
OPEN TO ALL
No prerequisites are required for this program; it is appropriate for everyone.
SCHEDULE
(subject to change)
Friday, August 21
- 3:00 PM: Check in begins
- 6:00-7:00 PM: Dinner
- 7:30-9:00 PM: Welcome and Introduction
- 9:00-9:30 PM: Calming Meditation Techniques
Saturday, August 22
- 7:00-8:00 AM: Morning Meditation
- 8:00-9:00 AM: Breakfast
- 9:30 AM-11:30 AM: Program
- 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Meditation
- 12:00-1:00 PM: Lunch
- 1:00-2:30 PM: Personal time, woods walk, or personal meditation
- 2:30-4:30 PM: Program
- 5:00-6:00 PM: Meditation (optional)
- 6:00-7:00 PM: Dinner
- 7:30-9:30 PM: Evening Program
Sunday, August 23
- 7:00-8:00 AM: Morning Meditation
- 8:00-9:00 AM: Breakfast
- 9:30 AM-11:30 AM: Program
- 11:30 AM-12:00PM: Closing Q & A and Blessings
- 12:00-1:00 PM: Lunch
- 1:00 PM: Checkout and Departure
Teacher
Ramananda John E. Welshons
Ramananda John E. Welshons is a highly respected contemporary spiritual teacher and one of the leading voices on transforming unwanted change and loss into fuel for the spiritual path. He has practiced meditation and many forms of yoga for more than 55 years, and since the 1970s he has led meditation workshops and given talks throughout North America. He was a close associate of Ram Dass and Stephen Levine, and trained with Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross. He is the author of three acclaimed books: One Soul, One Love, One Heart; Awakening From Grief; and When Prayers Aren’t Answered.
Event Schedule
Aug 21-23, 2026
2 day event
Daily Schedule:
Accommodation Options
Private Room: Couple
This registration fee is for two people. This comfortable room has one double bed, and may be shared by couples in a committed relationship. With ample room for meditation, it features a desk and small table suitable for a meditation object. All rooms are furnished with linens, pillows, blankets, coverlets, and towels, as well as a meditation cushion and zabuton. The room shares a bath with one or two other rooms. Room rates include three delicious vegetarian meals each day (6 total meals for a couple room); there is also a tea station on each hall.
Junior Suite: Single
These large rooms have one double bed, a private bath, private terrace, a refrigerator and ample room for practice. Each room has a small table suitable for a meditation object and a meditation cushion and zabaton, as well as a desk and an armoire. Room rates include three delicious vegetarian meals each day; there is also an in-room tea station.
Junior Suite: Couple
This reservation fee is for two people and includes three delicious vegetarian meals each day (6 total for a couple). This large room has one double bed, which may be shared by couples in a committed relationship. In addition, it has a private bath, private terrace, a refrigerator and ample room for practice. Each room has a small table suitable for a meditation object and a meditation cushion and zabaton, as well as a desk and an armoire.
Teachers
Ramananda John E. Welshons is a respected contemporary spiritual teacher known for helping people transform unwanted change and loss into meaningful support for their inner journey. With more than 55 years of experience in meditation and various forms of yoga, he brings depth, clarity, and compassion to every teaching he offers. Since the 1970s, he has led meditation workshops and...
Read morePlace
191 Cragsmoor Rd, Pine Bush, NY 12566, USA
Pine Bush