The
Enlightenment Intensive is a 3-day residential workshop which provides an
opportunity for you to come into conscious union with the Truth of yourself,
life, and others. The Enlightenment Intensive technique combines the age-old
practice of reflective contemplation with verbal communication in a structured
and non-distractive environment.
The Enlightenment Intensive format was developed in 1968 by Charles Berner after
years of research into methods by which people could deepen and improve their
relationships. To help people accelerate their process of self-discovery Berner
combined contemplation on self with one-to-one communication. Using this process
he discovered that within periods of a few days, people were having
enlightenment experiences identical in kind to those described by people who had
practiced silent meditation for many years. Since that time, thousands of
participants have accelerated their awakening, increased their communication
skills and personal happiness, and improved the quality of their lives through
this dynamic and powerful technique.
There is no belief system or particular view of life taught during an
Enlightenment Intensive. No one tells you what the Truth is. The dyad format
gives one an opportunity to go beyond mental constructs and bring full
consciousness into direct contact with the Truth. During the Intensive
participants combine the steady contemplation of the contemplative question with
responsible communication to a partner. People spend half the time contemplating
and communicating and half the time receiving their partner’s communication,
working with a new partner about every forty-five minutes.
These dyad periods are balanced with meals, walks, physical exercise and rest,
inspirational talks, and silent contemplation. However, the majority of the time
is spent each day doing the Enlightenment technique described above. Typically,
vegetarian meals, snacks, vitamins, and lodging accommodations are provided.
Enlightenment is not a far-away, esoteric experience attainable only by a few
willing to give up home, family and possessions and spend their lives in caves
meditating. It is available to everyone, and it can completely change one’s
life. Though enlightenment transcends definitions and has many levels, direct
experience of Truth is unmistakable. Unlike insight, conclusions, or belief, it
involves a fundamental shift in consciousness that is separate from thinking,
feeling, believing, and reasoning. In enlightenment there is only union. It is
absolute, timeless, and unchangeable. There is no way to make enlightenment
happen, yet one can open to an environment where it may become more likely. The
Enlightenment Intensive provides such an environment. It is by no means the only
way for a person to come into conscious union with the Truth, but it is a proven
and powerful way to invite direct experience.
The value of
directly experiencing and communicating the Truth is that it enables one to live
more consciously and effectively, and in closer contact with others.
Enlightenment helps one live life in harmony with the way things actually are.
And, it can enhance any discipline or work currently being done.