The silence of the Heart
On this retreat we will draw attention to the mystery of the heart, Citta.
The heart not only as a physical organ, but as an imaginal and spiritual centre of stillness. Once the feeling resonance of the heart is activated through meditation, and working with channeling the more subtle energetic resonance in the body, we will learn to recognize and develop strategies to release the the first 3 fetters: skeptical doubt, self view and attachment to rituals, pointing to the realization of what in the Pali canon is described as ”entering the stream” or Sotapanna. Emphasis will be placed on using creatively the the sound of silence as a focus for concentration.
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 in English. The daily routine consists mostly of sitting and walking meditation and also includes instructions for meditation, an evening talk and some mindful movement. There is also a daily group engagement time when there is a chance to share and discuss with the teacher, together with the whole group. Note: In contrast with some other retreats, there will not be individual or group interviews with the teacher.
Online format of the retreat
Due to the current covid situation, the retreat is arranged in an online format, using Zoom as the platform. Each person participates from their own home or some other suitable place.
The retreat begins on Tuesday October 13th at 18:30, and ends Sunday October 18th at 12:30.
From Wednesday to Saturday, the schedule will be like this:
6:45-7:30 Silent sit
10-13 Morning session (usually three sittings and a walking meditation)
15-17:30 Afternoon session (two sittings and a group engagement time)
19:30-21 Evening sit/talk
Participants are expected to join all the sessions, though exceptions could be made in circumstances where it is not possible (contact us if you want to discuss this).
We ask everyone to turn off social media for the duration of the retreat. You may choose to do a fully silent retreat, also staying in silence outside of the scheduled practice times, but this is up to you and your circumstances.
Who are the teachers?
This retreat is led by Suvaco. He practised as a Buddhist monk for 17 years. He continues his work as a psychotherapist, cranio sacral practitioner and meditation teacher. Currently he divides his time between teaching Dharma and seeing people one to one. He is part of the teaching staff at Gaia house, Devon.
Price and donations
The base price is 30 euros. This covers the practical expenses of the retreat.
We feel that financial situation should not prevent anybody from participating, so we are willing to offer the retreat for a reduced price, if needed. If the base price is too high for you, please contact us at retriitit2@nirodha.fi and let us know how much you are able to pay. If you would like to help sponsor someone who does not have the financial means to pay the full price, you are welcome to pay more than the base price.
The teachers and organizers do not receive any payment for their services but offer them freely so that as many as possible have the chance to benefit from the teachings regardless of financial situation. This principle of generosity is very central to the teachings of the Buddha and has made it possible to continue the practice of meditation still 2,500 years after his life. The teachers live primarily off of donations. Retreat participants may support the teachers and organizers by donations at the end of the retreat – we ask that you take a credit card or cash with you for this purpose.
Registration and cancellation policy
You can sign up for the retreat by filling in the registration form and paying the retreat price by 10th of October. You will get a confirmation email after we have received the form and your payment. Pay the retreat price, 30 euros, to the following bank account:
Account number: FI84 4108 0010 3769 97
Bank name: Oma Säästöpankki
Bank address: Valtakatu 32, 53100 LAPPEENRANTA, Finland
Swift code: ITELFIHH
Name of bank account holder: Nirodha ry
Address of the account holder: Vetehisenkuja 3, 00530 Helsinki
Type of account: business account
Reference number: 3020100 (It is important to use this reference number in the payment!)
Alternatively, you can pay via PayPal. Make the payment to talous@nirodha.fi. Please include the reference number above in the “note” field. The due date for the final payment is the same as above.
PLEASE NOTE. The registration form was designed for a residential retreat. You do not have to answer the questions regarding your diet and emergency contact person, and we do not expect people to completely refrain from email, phone and internet usage on the online retreat. Please fill in all the other fields, however.
In case of cancellation, please inform us as soon as possible. Unfortunately we cannot refund the retreat fee.
Questions
If you have anything to ask, please contact us at retriitit2@nirodha.fi. We wish everyone a rewarding and meaningful retreat!
Warmly,
Anna Backholm (040-5362 946)
Marianne Kautiala (+358 50 531 8228) registrations