Silent Insight Meditation Retreat 13.-19.8.2018 in Kruusila, Finland

”Embodying the awakened heart”

At the heart of the Buddha’s teachings is the real possibility of Awakening: our innate potential to discover inner peace and freedom, and to embody the unobstructed openness that is our deepest truth. This retreat will explore the art of Insight Meditation as an invitation to be authentic with our experience, to relax into an intimate relationship with the depth of our being, and to cultivate a genuine kind-heartedness towards ourselves and all of life. In learning to trust our life we can come to abide in the wide-open heart of awakened presence.

The meditation techniques we practice are over 2,500 years old and are mostly based on the Theravada Buddhist tradition. Taking part in the retreat does not, however, require an adherence to Buddhism or any adaptation of personal faith.

Why take part in the retreat? What happens on a retreat?

The retreat is suitable for both beginners and experienced practitioners. Beginners have a chance to become familiar with basic meditation techniques and to see their effects clearly in practice, so a retreat is a good way to begin a meditation practice. For experienced meditators, a retreat is a great opportunity to deepen and clarify their practice under the guidance of qualified teachers.

Teachings are offered mainly in English. The daily routine consists mostly of sitting and walking meditation and also includes instructions for meditation, an evening talk, and practice of generosity during a working period. The retreat is held in silence except during individual or group interviews with a teacher.

The retreat includes a daily breakfast, lunch and light dinner, all vegetarian. Participants stay in 2-4 person rooms. The retreat will take place at the Friendship Inn, which is located in Kruusila, near Salo, on the shore of beautiful Lake Pernjärvi.

Who are the teachers?

Leela Sarti has been a student of the Buddha’s teachings and practices since she was sixteen years old. She lives with her family in Sweden and, in addition to teaching Insight Meditation retreats internationally, works individually with students in her psychotherapy practice in Stockholm. She is a long-term student of the Diamond Approach and part of a teacher training program in that tradition. Here are some of Leela’s dharma talks.

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

The base price is 185 €, but it is also possible to pay more or less than this.  The retreat is full, but you can sign up to the waiting list by filling in the sign up form. Don’t pay the reservation fee 30 €!  More information about the price, registration and other details.

Warmly,
Anna Backholm (+358 40 536 2946)
Markku Ilo (+358 40 413 6833)