Stillness of Being – Flow of Life
How to be grounded in the depth of timeless presence in the midst of a full life?
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 of our beingness.
In cultivating a quality of restful wakefulness and embodied presence we can make intimate contact with the natural world, and the very nature of things. And in learning to trust our experience in each moment, we can come to abide in the warm, spacious presence of the awakened heart. As we grow in wakefulness we can see ever more deeply into the mystery and beauty of experience, and are able to respond to life with clarity and compassion.
With a spirit of kindness, we will engage in meditative and movement practices that support realignment, embodiment and deepening presence. Each retreat day includes meditation and silence, movement practice, dharma teaching, guided meditations and time for questions and sharing as well as regular meetings with the teacher.
The meditation techniques we practice are over 2,500 years old and are mostly based on the Theravada Buddhist tradition. However, taking part in the retreat does not 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 in English. The daily routine consists mostly of sitting and walking meditation, on this specific retreat also of movement practice, and also includes instructions for meditation, an evening talk, and 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 vegan. Participants stay in 2-4 person rooms. The retreat will take place at the Heponiemi center for wellbeing, which is located in Karjalohja, near Lohja, on the shore of Lake Puujärvi.
Who are the teachers?
Leela Sarti has been a student and a teacher of the Buddha’s teachings and practices for 25 years. She lives with her family in Sweden and in addition to teaching retreats, supports long term students individually. Leela is also a teacher in the Diamond Approach tradition.
The teacher is assisted by yoga teacher Viveka Blom.
How much does it cost? How can I sign up?
The base price is 340 euros, but it is also possible to pay more or less than this. Sign up for the retreat and find out more information about the price, registration and other practical details here.
Warmly,
Marianne & John Woodbury (registration), retriitit2@nirodha.fi