Retreats provide an opportunity for beginners to establish their meditation practice, and for experienced meditators to deepen it. Stepping away from the busy-ness of our daily lives and demands, we feel ourselves slowing down and becoming attuned to our natural inner rhythm. Within the gentle order of the retreat schedule, we sink deeper into our true selves and learn to discern the Inner Voice of our heart. The natural surroundings of the retreat centre contribute to this as we learn to discern the pulse of nature and our own place within it. We can hear nature breathing.
Retreat in Private Home
We favour a gentle, loving approach to meditation and the spiritual journey. In general, we tend to avoid striving and struggling to attain goals. We have found that the use of force, exertion, and the push to ‘break through’ pain or conditioning are not conducive to sinking into the depths of our being from where true growth arises.
Teachings are drawn from our experience in many wisdom traditions – Hindu advaita (non-dualism) and visishthadvaita (qualified non-dualism); Buddhism; Christian, Jewish and Sufi mysticism – and our own direct experience. Because no one meditation technique will be suitable for everyone, we offer instruction in a variety of meditation techniques so that participants can choose the one that works best for them.
Each retreat is tailored to the needs of the participating group, but each retreat generally comprises the following components:
Silence
Silence is one of the most important aspects of our retreats. This is not a forced, clenched silence, but the restful, expansive silence such as one experiences upon awaking from deep sleep . . . BEFORE the mind has had a chance to drown out the voice of the still silent spring within us.
By curtailing speech, thoughts slow down and we become more receptive to a more gentle way of living. As the silence expands, we begin to dip into the still silent waters of our being and learn to hear the Still Small Voice of our heart. Apart from questions during teaching sessions and meetings with teachers, the retreat is held in silence.
Meditation Periods
Several 45-minute meditation periods – both guided and unguided – are spread through the day. Frequency is far more important than duration. To ensure that energy flows smoothly, periods of rest and activity alternate with meditation periods. Walking meditation alternates with stationary meditation.
Dharma Talks and Classes
These provide inspiration on the Path and context for spiritual experience. The mind is not an enemy. Rather, when properly trained, it can become our best friend. Question-and-answer periods following each class allow students to clear doubts that may arise.
Private Meetings with the Facilitator
Ample time is provided for one-on-one consultations with the facilitator, and we encourage participants to meet with us individually to discuss their practice and day-to-day experiences on the retreat. These meetings can also be used to clear doubts, fine-tune or adapt meditation practice to individual needs, or obtain personal guidance.
A daily yoga or movement class to keep energy flowing freely
This is usually held first thing in the morning. Participants can choose guided or self-directed practice.
Chanting or devotional singing
This is an optional period at the end of the day, before bed. It provides an opportunity to anchor energy in the heart, which assists in its awakening.
Ample free time
This is a time for participants to engage in nature walks, rest, extra yoga, self-directed meditation, etc.
| ~ Sample Retreat Schedule |
| |
|
| 6:00 |
Wake up |
| 6:15 – 7:15 |
Yoga class (or self-directed movement) |
| 7:30 – 8:15 |
*** Meditation *** |
| 8:15 – 8:45 |
Breakfast |
| 8:45 – 9:30 |
Free |
| 10:00 – 10:45 |
*** Meditation *** |
| 10:45 – 11:00 |
Walking Meditation |
| 11:00 – 12:00 |
Class |
| 12:00 – 12:45 |
Lunch |
| 12:45 – 3:15 |
Free Time |
| 3:30 – 4:15 |
*** Meditation *** |
| 4:20 – 5:30 |
Class |
| 5:30 – 6:15 |
Walking Meditation |
| |
Or Private Meetings with Facilitator |
| 6:15 – 7:00 |
Dinner |
| 7:30 – 8:15 |
*** Meditation *** |
| 8:15 – 9:00 |
Chanting / Bhajan |
| 10:00 |
Lights out |
|
A Note about Dana
Dana is a Sanskrit word similar to the Latin caritas, meaning giving, unconditional sharing, and is commonly rendered as ‘charity’ or ‘generosity.’ Dana consists not so much in the act of giving as in the feeling of wanting to give, of wanting to share what one has with other people. It is in the spirit of Dana that all teachings, retreats and personal guidance are offered freely from a full heart, never sold. It is also in the spirit of Dana that the teacher and the teachings are supported.
But this ancient tradition, common throughout the East and even in the early Church, has been lost in the West. We have come to believe we can buy anything – even peace, even enlightenment. This attitude, born of ignorance and based upon the notion of separateness, has led to the overabundance of greed that has so imperilled our world today. This idea of getting rather than sharing actually perpetuates our unhappiness. By participating in the spirit of Dana, we join in the growing wave of spiritually oriented sharing that is beginning to be felt in the world today, and which will ultimately reclaim it – and us – from our self-generated misery.
Enjoyed the Retreat
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