“Program or be programmed.” – Douglas Rushkoff

In this Buddhist Geeks mind hacking immersive retreat we’ll focus on upgrading the inner operating system–moving from a self-referential way of knowing ourselves and the world to a more centerless and open hearted way of knowing. Inspired by the Buddhist wisdom tradition we will offer techniques that train the attention, work to deconstruct fixed identity, & awaken the heart.

Much of the meditation practice will be done in silence, but periods of social meditation and group discussion will also be used as an opportunity to ground the practice in a relational context. There will also be regular small group meetings with retreat teachers to check-in and get feedback as the retreat progresses. The schedule will be announced to those who register prior to retreat.

Retreat Teachers

“Self-described Buddhist geeks, this married couple is crafting new ways to practice mindfulness, helping others develop apps for contemplation.” – Wired

Emily Horn is a contemplative teacher with fierce compassion and the skill that comes from dedicated practice and personal exploration. Her integrative teaching style is influenced by mindfulness meditation and revolves around the interwoven nature of contemplation, personal unfolding, and daily life. She has taught mindfulness classes at InsightLA, and is currently in the Insight Meditation Society and Spirit Rock Retreat Teacher Training led by Jack Kornfield, Trudy Goodman, Joseph Goldstein, and others. Emily has also managed projects in contemplative education environments including Naropa University, InsightLA, and Sounds True. She is also Director of Programming at Buddhist Geeks.

Vincent Horn is a mind hacker & buddhist geek. He has been practicing meditation intensively since his freshman year in college—including a full year doing intensive silent retreat practice. He began teaching in 2010 with the encouragement of his own teachers, Kenneth Folk and Daniel Ingram, in their unique style of ‘pragmatic dharma.’ In addition, in 2006, Vincent co-founded the media company Buddhist Geeks, which has since been featured on the pages of the Los Angeles Times, Fast Company, and Tricycle. Vincent was honored to be part of Wired UK’s “Smart List 2012: 50 people who will change the world.” Along with his wife Emily Horn, he makes his home in Asheville, North Carolina—that is until the distinction between atoms and bits dissolves.