Kadampa Meditation Center Arizona will host a Clarity of Mind half-day retreat, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., June 30, with Kelsang Dechok, a Kadampa Buddhist nun who has been studying, practicing and teaching Modern Kadampa Buddhism for many years.

During this morning retreat, attendees will explore the nature of our mind by way of a short talk, followed by guided meditations. When the turbulence of distracting thoughts subside and our mind becomes still, a deep happiness and contentment naturally arises from within.

“Let yourself be guided through gentle meditations on the mind and treat yourself to high-quality happiness,” says Dechok. “We all have the capacity to experience immense inner peace and contentment. Our mind is the nature of clarity, so when undefiled by distractions, negative thoughts and feelings, we can experience the spaciousness and peace that lies within. By meditating on the mind itself, we can calm the inner chatter that often causes us so many problems and worries.”

Happiness and suffering are states of mind, so their main causes cannot be found outside the mind. If our mind is peaceful, we will be happy, regardless of external conditions. If it is disturbed or troubled in any way, we will never be happy no matter how good our external conditions may be. External conditions can make us happy only if our mind is peaceful. Therefore, if we want to experience true, lasting happiness, we need to learn the secret of inner peace by meditating on the mind.

Cost: $25. Location: 5326 E. Pima St., Tucson. For more information, call 520-441-1617 or visit MeditationInTucson.org/ClarityOfMindRetreat.