Cittanupassana: Turning towards the heart-mind
Citta is the third Satipatthana or foundation of mindfulness that refers to the heart-mind or consciousness. During this retreat we will be sensitising our attention to the citta and its various qualities and states, and discovering how we can begin to relate to them with compassion and understanding. We will also explore what it may mean to let go skilfully in relation to the mind.
The retreat will also include some mindful bodywork and relational contemplative practices.
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 retreat schedule will include formal periods of sitting and walking as well as periods of self-directed practice. This gives retreatants an opportunity to follow their own rhythm of being aware during the day, learning to trust their capacity to be interested in awareness in any activity. Retreatants will be supported in their practice through instructions, group check-ins, talks, Q&A sessions and will be given a copy of Dhamma Everywhere to read mindfully as needed.
The retreat is held in silence except during individual or group interviews with a teacher. The daily schedule will also include a working period.
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?
Juha Penttilä has been practicing meditation since 2002. He has spent extended periods of time on retreats and in monasteries in Asia and Europe and is one of the founding members of Nirodha, the Finnish Insight Meditation practice community. Juha completed his Insight Meditation teacher training in 2020. In addition to exploring meditation, Juha’s teaching is influenced by the current climate crisis and engaged perspectives into the Dharma.
Laura Bridgman ordained as Sister Kovida, a Siladhara with Ajahn Sumedho in 1995. She was resident at Amaravati and Chithurst monasteries for eighteen years until she moved out to live as a solitary nun in 2010. Over the past ten years she has spent extended periods of time with the Burmese teacher Sayadaw U Tejaniya. In 2015 Kovida left the monastic tradition in order to pursue the Diamond Heart (Ridhwan) spiritual path which incorporates both Buddhist and Sufi principles and practices.
How much does it cost? How can I sign up?
The base price is 290 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