Silent Insight Meditation Retreat 18.–25.8.2025 in Kreivilä, Finland: Zohar Lavie and Nathan Glyde

Deeply Rooted & Sublime

The path of awakening can be seen in numerous ways: discovering profound insights, aligning with the principle of non-harm, and cultivating an ever-deepening sense of well-being. All of these support the development of the character of freedom, which Buddhists have expressed for thousands of years through the deeply rooted and sublime practices of the paramis. With a calm, non-reactive energy, we can undertake an honest examination of our lives. Then, with patient determination, we can enact a wise, kind, and generous letting go of all that holds us back from boundless liberation.

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 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 Kreivilä course centre, which is located in Matku, near Forssa, on the shore of Lake Matkujärvi.

Who are the teachers?

ZOHAR LAVIE has been practising meditation in different traditions since 1995. This journey has taken her from the meditation cushion into exploring further ways of expressing truth and love and in 2004 she co-founded SanghaSeva. She now spends most of her time facilitating retreats that offer service as a spiritual path around the world. Since 2006 she has been teaching on silent retreats and Dharma gatherings in India, Europe and Israel.

NATHAN GLYDE began meditating in 1997, and teaching retreats in 2007. From continued exploration grew a deep love for meditation’s alive stillness and creative silence. Feeling the potential for all of life to play a part in awakening opened an interest to cultivate attentiveness in every experience. In 2004 this led to co-founding SanghaSeva to offer retreats combining meditation with engaged action. Nathan’s articles and complete teaching schedule can be viewed at DependentOrigination.org

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

The base price is 300 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 (Nella) Woodbury, registrations, retriitit2@nirodha.fi