“Community and interconnection”, Dharma Gathering 1.-6.7.2016 in Kruusila, Finland

Why join?

This Dharma Gathering is offered as another way of exploring our human experience. We hope to support an ongoing exploration of the Dharma by combining periods of silent reflection and meditation with periods for group explorations through discussions and activities. We also wish to have time for Sangha led activities where any of us can offer something to the group.

Silent retreats are not for everybody; we hope this event is. We are open to practitioners of all ages and levels of experience; from first timers to the fully enlightened, and we welcome families too.

This event can be a time for bringing together our diversity of experience into a time of connection, and the insights of our own lives into the melting pot of real life interactivity.

On this gathering we will practice Insight meditation, also known as vipassana. The word vipassana means seeing things just as they are. This meditation practice is over 2500 years old and draws from the Theravada Buddhist tradition. However, taking part in the gathering does not require an adherence to Buddhism or any adaptation of personal faith.

What happens in the Dharma Gathering? How about children?

The program includes periods of meditation, teachings, discussions on dharma-related topics and different activities supporting our practice, as well as time for being together more freely, enjoying the summer and going to sauna. Part of the day will be spent in silence, part talking. Teachings are in English; if needed, it is possible to arrange Finnish-speaking discussion groups and translation to Finnish.

Also families are welcome to the Dharma Gathering. For children, we offer both organized program and free playing time under the supervision of adults for part of the day; this gives parents an opportunity to join other activities. We welcome children of various ages, but expect that they can take care of dressing and going to the loo themselves, and are able to listen to and obey instructions and to function in a group. It is also possible to come to the gathering with smaller children, but parents are responsible for organizing their care. There is no space for more children at the moment; if you wish to come with children, we can add you to waiting list. For adults there is still space.

We will offer three vegetarian meals a day: breakfast, lunch and a light dinner, plus some snacks for children. Accommodation is mainly in shared rooms of 2-4 people. The retreat Venue is Friendship Inn in Kruusila, near Salo, at the shore of lake Pernjärvi.

Who are the teachers?

The Dharma Gathering will be facilitated by Zohar Lavie and Nathan Glyde. Zohar has been practicing meditation in different traditions since 1995. This journey has taken her from the meditation cushion into exploring further ways of expressing truth and love and in 2004 she co-founded SanghaSeva. She now spends most of her time facilitating retreats that offer service as a spiritual path around the world. Since 2006 she has been teaching on silent retreats and in India, Europe and Israel, and since 2007 facilitating Dharma gatherings in India.

Nathan began meditating in 1997 and began teaching on silent meditation retreats in 2006. From a continued exploration of meditation on silent retreats grew a deep love of silence and the power of stillness. The realisation of the potential of every moment to become a moment of awakening provoked an exploration of meditation in daily life activities. An urge to offer retreats that offer deep connection in an active life led to the initiative in 2004 of SanghaSeva. Nathan has been facilitating Dharma gatherings in India since 2007.

Talks and guided meditations by Zohar and Nathan.

How much does it cost? How can I sign up?

The base price of the Dharma Gathering is 160€ for adults and older children, for smaller children 100€ or 60€. It is also possible to pay less or more than the base price. You can reserve a place by filling in the application form and paying the registration fee. Details about the price, registration and other practicalities.

Warmly,
Tuulikki Hukka (+358 50 432 9241)
Anna Backholm (+358 40 536 2946)