Timeless Presence
– feeling at home in oneself and in life
A retreat offers the possibility to stop the momentum of the world so that which is profound and real may emerge and be embodied. On this retreat, we will explore the possibility of being grounded in the depth of timeless presence in the midst of daily life. We will inquire how to live a full life from silence and emptiness, and yet being yourself in peace with others, and doing what needs to be done. To live life with integrity, sensitivity and openness requires heart presence. It is in the heart that we digest life experience and it is the heart of compassion, kindness and equanimity that can embrace the challenges and the sorrow of life. To know our heart is to be intimate with life, the meaning and the joy of living. How can we feel at home in our own skin and in the very circumstances of our life? How can we awaken an awareness and a heart that embraces life, dukkha and beyond? For thousands of years, Buddhist practitioners have followed the comprehensive eightfold path, designed to train individuals to meet life with wisdom and compassion. This we will train in ways relevant for our time and life circumstances.
With a spirit of curiosity and kindness, we will engage in meditative and inquiry practices that support realignment, deep rest, letting go and embodiment. To invite inner intimacy, the retreat will mostly be held in silence. Each retreat day will include guided meditations, teaching sessions, as well as integrative mindful speaking and listening practices, and conversations with the teacher. The retreat is suitable for those new to practice in the Buddhist tradition and experienced practitioners.
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 for more than 30 years. She lives with her family in Sweden, in the Stockholm archipelago, and in addition to teaching Insight Meditation retreats internationally, works individually with students in her practice in Stockholm, and these days over zoom. Leela has a masters degree in psychology and is a long term student and teacher trainee in the Diamond Approach Path. In her free time, Leela enjoys being out in nature; hiking, kayaking, riding and gardening.
The teacher will possibly be assisted by one of Nirodha’s lead instructors.
How much does it cost? How can I sign up?
The base price is 285 euros. It is also possible to pay more or less than this. More information about the price, registration and other details.
Warmly,
Anna Backholm (manager, +358 40 5362 946)
Marianne (Nella) Kautiala (registrations, +358 50 531 8228)