Liberation through lovingkindness and compassion
As love emerges in our lives and practice our worldview can undergo a liberating metamorphosis. By developing flexibility and creativity in the way we relate to others and the world, we can support this metamorphosis to occur. Through investigation, experimentation and by harnessing the power of our imagination we will explore how the practice of lovingkindness and compassion brings about a radical and liberating shift in how we see ourselves and the world.
And from Thomas Merton :
’The beginning of love is to let those we love be perfectly themselves, and not to twist them to fit our own image. Otherwise we love only the reflection of ourselves we find in them’.
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, a working period and a voluntary exercise of mindful movement. 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?
Caroline Jones has been practising meditation since 1989. She started teaching in 2006, and now teaches at Gaia House and internationally. She has also covered periods at Gaia House as resident teacher. Caroline teaches in Finland annually. You may find some of her talks at http://www.dharmaseed.org/teacher/362/.
Paul Burrows is a student in the Insight Meditation tradition. He trained as a teacher with Christina Feldman, co-founder of Gaia House retreat centre and he now leads courses internationally. His exploring has led him through the monasteries and retreat centres of the Kathmandu Valley, India and the UK and through periods of intensive retreat practice in the Theravada and Tibetan Buddhist traditions. He is now making a home in North London. More details see Awakening City.com. Paul’s dharma talks can be found http://www.dharmaseed.org/teacher/367/
How much does it cost? How can I sign up?
The base price is 190 €, but it is possible to pay more or less than this. The retreat has passed.
More information about the price, registration and other details here.
Warmly,
Markku Ilo +358 40 413 6833, registration
Aini Väätti +358 50 331 8809