TAT's August 2022 Spiritual Retreat
Meditation and the Path Within
Friday through Sunday
August 19 - 21, 2022
TAT Center, North Carolina, USA
Image: Chris Lu @chris_lu
"The ultimate aim of meditation is going within. Going within means to find Reality by finding the Real part of ourselves."
"...Also we come to the realization that each individual's going within is unique to that person. However there are procedures and general hints that will help everyone. We take this information from other people who have gone inside."
- Richard Rose, Meditation.
Welcome to TAT's annual August event at our home in North Carolina. Since its founding in 1973 by Richard Rose, TAT has sponsored numerous events that offer a remarkable gathering of seekers, finders, and friends. We hope to see all of you at the TAT Center for a weekend of both celebration and contemplation, as we explore Meditation and the Path Within.
There are many methods and styles of meditation, and perhaps as many reasons and goals among those who practice them. Over the course of the weekend, we will explore various ways and means for finding the path within. Our format will involve small-group workshops, where we'll gather together to learn about and experiment with several styles of meditation practice. These workshops present the opportunity for new applications of traditional practices within the context of finding one's True Nature or, in the words of Richard Rose, "Becoming the Truth."
We aim to foster an environment where bonds of friendship will be formed, and renewed. The weekend begins with a standalone session on Friday evening for those who can arrive early. On Saturday, participants split into small groups for two interactive workshops (see schedule for workshop details), then rejoin for other activities. Participants again split into groups for a third workshop on Sunday morning.
Meet our featured presenters:
Paul Constant
"I don't go in with the attitude that I have something that you don't."
A true friend on the path to Truth, for the past 30 years Paul has expressed his love for Truth by facilitating retreats, leading rapport sittings, serving in leadership positions with the TAT Foundation, and studying with Richard Rose during 1985-1995.
Listen to Paul's interview on SpiritualTeachers.org or visit his website at searchwithin.org.
Mike Gegenheimer
"Between-ness opens the mind to Grace. For the seeker, rapport is an exercise in Between-ness."
Mike met Richard Rose in Pittsburgh in the fall of 1972. A freshman science and engineering student, Mike was interested in “the unknown” and the nature of existence. He worked with Rose and other students in Pittsburgh during college and moved to the Rose farm following graduation. Rose’s teachings, insights from several rapport sessions, and a few TAT members were a lifeline during a 15 year hiatus from serious group work during which he married and had a family. Returning to TAT with renewed commitment in 2000, his search ended with an intense realization during a rapport session at the April 2019 TAT meeting. A brief description can be found at www.searchwithin.org/download.htm. Mike remains active in the TAT Foundation, and recently co-authored with Shawn Nevins, Passages: An Introduction and Commentary on Richard Rose’s Albigen System.
Bob Harwood
Bob is a general contractor who designed and built hundreds of homes and commercial buildings over a period of more than forty years. Today, he and his wife, Carol, manage two commercial office parks with 55 business tenants and they pursue many different interests. Bob had an active role in developing the TAT retreat center, and has given many presentations during past TAT retreats. In his spiritual autobiography, "Pouring Concrete: A Zen Path to the Kingdom of God," Bob recounts his path to the resolution of dozens of existential questions. His search for truth came to an end on August 17, 1999 when his past sense of personal selfhood vanished after hiking in the mountains and pursuing a meditative activity that he calls "ATA-T" (attending the actual minus thought). He realized on that day that he was NOT who had always imagined he was, and that no separate volitional entity had ever existed. He also realized that duality is solely a product of imagination, and that any sense of separateness is an illusion.
Shawn Pethel
"Illusions cannot hold up under examination. Close examination is the essence of seeking."
Shawn Pethel is a physicist and lifelong questioner of reality. In his twenties he learned of something called 'enlightenment' and thus began a spiritual adventure of self-discovery. Along the way he met many helpful teachers and friends and investigated myriads of spiritual practices. In 2014 he had what he calls his 'enlightenment experience', because it left him completely satisfied and question-free about the nature of existence. These days he rarely thinks or speaks about enlightenment--except when he's asked to, whereupon he surprises himself with how much he has to say about a realization that cannot be spoken of.
The registration deadline for TAT's August Spiritual Retreat Weekend is Wednesday, August 17.
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Weekend Schedule 
Friday, August 19, 2022
Saturday, August 20, 2022
Workshop themes and leaders:
Workshop 1: What is spiritual rapport? Is it achieved energetically through the body? On a mental level through a "mind meld"? Or through something essential beyond the body and mind? Or is it a combination of all three? What is the potential of spiritual rapport in a group setting? Join Mike and Paul as they facilitate one-on-one and small-group exercises and discussions with the goal of taking a deep dive into spiritual rapport and gaining a better feel for what it means. Additionally, the workshop will provide an opportunity to explore how rapport can help seekers on the spiritual path. Workshop 2: Bob will discuss various forms of meditation and explain how repeatedly shifting attention away from thoughts can trigger major existential insights. Workshop 3:
˜ or ˜
Sunday, August 21, 2022 
TAT Center, North Carolina
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9:45 to 11:30 AM - Breakout session #1. Groups go to respective workshops.Location, Facilities, and Lodging
The event is being held at the new TAT Center near Hurdle Mills, North Carolina, USA. The 5,500 square foot Center is situated on a beautiful 15-acre site. It is only 50 minutes from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU).
If you think you've got something contagious, whether that be a cold, flu, or whatever, please use your common sense, think of others, and stay home. Refunds will be issued upon request. This event abides by current North Carolina mask guidance. There will be a mixture of participants wearing and not wearing masks. Masks will be available at the TAT Center at no charge.
There are a few (less than 18) on-site beds available. Sleeping accommodations include new, comfortable twin-size beds, linens, pillows, and blankets in bedrooms shared with 1 or 2 people (women and men separate). All bathrooms are shared and towels are provided. For those who like to camp, there is space for camping and space (but not water or sewer hook-ups) for those traveling in modest-sized van/RVs, please contact
The capacity of the water system is suitable for the meeting and as there are three showers available during the weekend, we will schedule time slots for those at the TAT Center as you arrive.
If you are interested in on-site lodging, camping, or staying in your van/RV please email us at
Lodging is an additional $50 for the weekend for TAT members and $60 for non-members. Note that we will do our best to accommodate room preferences, but all guests should expect to share sleeping quarters and bathrooms with at least one other participant.
Costs
The August Spiritual Retreat fees per person for TAT members are as follows:
- $90 for members who arrange alternative lodging; this includes meeting registration and on-site camping if desired. Camping is informal—no hook-ups or restrooms.
The non-member fees per person are:
- $130 for non-members who arrange alternative lodging; this includes meeting registration and on-site camping if desired. Camping is informal—no hook-ups or restrooms.
Full-time students should contact for information on discounted registration fees.
Use PayPal to pay
with these credit cards (PayPal account not necessary).
PayPal is "fast, free and secure" and allows payment by credit card or electronic withdrawal from a bank account. Checks (in U.S. dollars, drawn on a U.S. bank) or money orders (domestic only) made payable to the TAT Foundation are also accepted if received by the registration deadline.
Support TAT by becoming a Regular, Sustaining, or Lifetime Member.
Visit our membership page for information about TAT memberships.
Space is limited, so registration is required. The deadline for registration is Wednesday, August 17th. Upon receipt of your registration, you will receive a confirmation email with information on the venue's address, facilities, and meals. You may cancel your registration on or before August 17th and receive a refund, minus the PayPal transaction fee. Cancellations after August 17th will not be refunded. Because ADA-compliant facilities are limited, persons with a disability should contact before registering.
Meals
Meals are potluck style for Saturday and Sunday continental breakfasts, Saturday and Sunday lunches, and Saturday dinner. All meals are included for non-members. We ask that each TAT member bring 2 items, totaling about $20. A good rule of thumb is to bring enough food to serve 7 people with each item. Sorry, we cannot reduce fees for those who prefer to bring their own food. TAT will provide coffee and tea.
Off-Site Lodging
For those who register using the alternative (off-site) lodging option, the following overnight accommodations are a 20-to-30 minute drive from the TAT Center:
- Americas Best Value Inn Roxboro, 1006 N Madison Blvd, Roxboro, NC 27573 (336) 599-9276
- Budget Inn Roxboro, 1033 N Madison Blvd, Roxboro, NC 27573 (336) 599-3151
- Hampton Inn Roxboro, 920 Durham Road Roxboro, NC 27573 (336) 599-8800
- Holiday Inn Express Hillsborough, 202 Cardinal Drive , Hillsborough, North Carolina 27278 (919) 644-7997
- Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Hillsborough, 120 Old Dogwood Street Hillsborough, North Carolina 27278 (919) 245-3102
- Quality Inn Roxboro, 906 Durham Rd, Roxboro, NC 27573 (336) 599-3800
You may also try searching Airbnb or VRBO for accommodations in the Roxboro, Hillsborough, or Hurdle Mills areas.
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For more information... email:
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What is the TAT Foundation?
A group encouraging people to think rather than believe. A group determined to help people find ways and means to answer their deepest philosophical questions. A gathering of friends who are not afraid to be honest with one another. An island of hope and sanity (or at least the hope for sanity!). Last, but not least, TAT is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit educational organization chartered in 1973.