”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 teachings presented during this retreat will emphasize continuous awareness as basis for clear seeing and developing wisdom. 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, 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?
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 190 euros, but it is also possible to pay more or less than this. Retreat is full, but you can sign up on the waiting list by filling in the sign up form. Don’t pay any reservation fee. More information about the price, registration and other details.
Warmly,
Melissa Airas (040 828 3506)
Tuulikki Hukka (050 432 9241)