Deep Joy: A Samadhi Retreat
Samadhi—the quality of collectedness, cohesion, and deep nourishment—is both a beautiful fruit of the path and a catalyst for awakening. In this retreat, we will cultivate the conditions for its emergence and tend to it in a way that supports the journey onward.
Following the tradition, we will begin by refining the habits of daily life, entering into silence, and cultivating a gentle, attuned awareness of all that arises. With care, we will encourage the heart and mind to gather naturally, learning to navigate waves of challenge and unrest. From this foundation, we will explore the possibility of joy and peace as natural fruits of practice—qualities that both arise from and lead to profound wisdom.
Our approach will be guided by the teachings of Rob Burbea, emphasising sensitivity, attunement, and subtle discernment, allowing space for experimentation and the organic rhythms of each practitioner.
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 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 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?
Yahel Avigur is a devoted meditator and Dharma teacher. In 2013, After practicing in Theravada and Insight Meditation traditions, he met the Dharma teacher Rob Burbea and became his student. He was encouraged by Rob to teach the path of Emptiness to its depth; his unique approach to the Jhana practice; and to train in teaching Soulmaking Dharma. Yahel is also trained in the Hakomi approach of assisted self study.
Sari Markkanen has practiced meditation on long retreats in Asia and Europe, especially in Gaia House, in the UK. Sari has completed Gaia House’s Community Dharma Leader programme and became an Insight meditation teacher under the guidance of Rob Burbea, Martine Batchelor and Caroline Jones. Previously, Sari has taught mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), and mindfulness-based self compassion (MSC) practices and is a pioneer in teaching mindfulness practice to children. She has written two books related to children’s mindfulness and compassion practices. Nowadays, Sari is a full-time Dharma teacher.
How much does it cost? How can I sign up?
The base price is 320 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