TAT's August 2019 Workshop
Beyond Mindfulness: Meditation and the Path Within

Friday through Sunday
August 16-18, 2019
at the Claymont Mansion, WV

In his 1981 booklet, "Meditation," TAT Founder Richard Rose noted that, "The world has grown suddenly meditative." Now, nearly 40 years later, it would be fair to say that the world has grown suddenly mindful. From its roots in the earliest teaching of the Buddha, mindfulness meditation has now moved into the popular culture focusing on Mindfulness at Work or Mindful Parenting. But what are the limits of mindfulness? Where does it fall on the "spectrum of awareness"? And what does mindfulness have to offer those in search of their True Nature? Or Ultimate Reality?

The spiritual seeker today may feel overwhelmed and confused by the seemingly endless stream of meditation approaches and their connection to self realization. Over the course of the weekend, we will offer three perspectives on finding the path within. These perspectives will guide small-group workshops, where we'll gather together to explore our own connections to mindfulness, awareness, and the inner direction to which they point. 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 August Workshop details), coming back together for other activities. Participants again split into groups for a third workshop on Sunday morning.

Meet our presenters:

  Bob Cergol - Bob Cergol was 19 when he met Richard Rose in 1972 and soon after attended the April 1973 meeting at Rose's house in Benwood, WV where TAT was conceived as an organization. He lived with Rose at his house in Benwood, WV, on Rose's farm, and in the local area on and off over many years. Twenty years later, after living in isolation for a year in a cabin he built on Rose's farm, and feeling his spiritual path had run its course, he moved away to pursue a secular life. He married and started a family, but soon gravitated back to the path, participating in group work with other TAT members. That group work led to a series of events that triggered a spiritual realization that for Bob was an absolute, and final answer to the existential questions he had been asking for all those years.

Over the past decade, Bob has delivered a number of poignant presentations during TAT events and has authored numerous TAT Forum essays that were ultimately published in Beyond Mind, Beyond Death, a TAT Foundation Press book. Listen to his story in a podcast interview on SpiritualTeachers.org.

  Bob Harwood – Bob is the author of two books, A Path to Christ-Consciousness and Pouring Concrete: A Zen Path to the Kingdom of God. His 35-year long search for the truth came to end in 1999, when the sense of his past personal identity totally vanished. For a taste of Bob's writings, read Silence Ends the Search and A Fast Path to Non-Abidance.

Bob lives with his wife in their almost-fully-built new home in Tennessee.

  Norio Kushi - Norio says "The cosmic joke is that who we think we are, our belief in the self, is the only thing that prevents us from experiencing complete fulfillment right now!" Hear Norio's podcast interview on SpiritualTeachers.org.

When not crisscrossing America in his truck, Norio makes an occasional landing to deliver a dose of wisdom.

  Paul Rezendes - "Spiritual practice is about unbecoming" says Paul. The life of Paul Rezendes is a compelling story: leader of two notorious motorcycle gangs becomes yoga teacher, spiritually awakens, then lives that through his work as a renowned wildlife tracker, teacher, and photographer. Paul's direct pointing at our true nature is electrifying. Listen to Paul's podcast interview on SpiritualTeachers.org

When not traveling by van or sailboat, Paul lives with his wife in a remote forest on the Millers River in Athol, Massachusetts.

  Additionally, during the weekend there will be a Silent Rapport Sitting and Group Meditation Sessions.

The registration deadline for the August Workshop is Sunday, August 11th.

Location, Facilities, and Lodging

The event is being held at the Claymont Society Mansion near Charles Town in the eastern panhandle of West Virginia. The mansion's historical ambience mixes perfectly with 350 private acres of forests and farmland. Sleeping accommodations include a mixture of single and double beds in 12 rooms and 6 shared bathrooms. Claymont provides towels and bed linens for overnight guests (guests make and strip their own beds). During the registration process, we will do our best to accommodate room preferences, but all mansion guests should expect to share sleeping quarters and bathrooms with other participants. On-site camping is available in the lawn area near the mansion.

The Claymont Society Mansion is located at 577 Claymont Mansion Road, Charles Town, WV 25414 [GPS coordinates: N39.26740, W77.90390]. Claymont is 50 miles/60 minutes from the Dulles International Airport near Washington D.C. Travel directions to Claymont Mansion.

 

Costs

The August Workshop fees per person for TAT members are as follows:

• $140 for members, which includes meeting registration and overnight lodging on Friday and Saturday at Claymont, or
• $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:

• $190 for non-members, which includes meeting registration and overnight lodging on Friday and Saturday at Claymont, or
• $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.

* The TAT Foundation hosts four public events each year. Registration fees vary depending on the event location. Because we are an all-volunteer organization, please allow up to 5 business days before receiving confirmation of your payment. See our membership overview or email if you have questions about registration fees.

Space is limited, so registration is required. The deadline for registration is Sunday, August 11th. Upon receipt of your registration, you will receive information on the location, facilities, and meals. You may cancel your registration on or before August 11th and receive a refund, minus the PayPal transaction fee. Cancellations after August 11th 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. We ask that each event participant bring 2 items, totaling about $15. A good rule of thumb is to bring enough food to serve 7 people with each item. All meals are included for non-members. 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 located near Claymont:

• Americas Best Value Inn, 807 Willow Spring Dr, Charles Town, WV (304) 725-2041
• Carriage Inn Bed & Breakfast, 417 East Washington Street, Charles Town, WV (800) 867-9830
• Hampton Inn and Suites, 157 Pimlico Drive, Charles Town, WV (304) 725-2200
• Holiday Inn Express Hotel Ranson, 681 Flowing Springs Road, Ranson, WV (304) 725-1330
• Northgate Inn, 106 Jefferson Terrace Rd, Charles Town, WV (304) 725-1402
• The Inn at Charles, 750 Hollywood Drive, Charles Town, WV (304) 885-5800
• Towne House Motor Lodge, 642 East Washington Street, Charles Town, WV (304) 725-8441
• Turf Motel, 741 East Washington Street, Charles Town, WV (304) 725-2081

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.