Living Wholeheartedly – Integrating the practice of awakening and peace in all of life
On this retreat, we will explore the possibility of being grounded in the depth of timeless presence in the midst of daily life. We will inquire how to live a full life from silence and emptiness, and yet being yourself in peace with others, and doing what needs to be done. For thousands of years, Buddhist practitioners have followed the comprehensive eightfold path, designed to train individuals to meet life with wisdom and compassion. This we will train in ways relevant for our time and life circumstances.
A human life infused with meaning, freedom and love, a fulfilling life, means to develop a taste for certain values; a taste for truth, depth and simplicity of being. You do not need to achieve these qualities, you just need to appreciate them and orient yourself towards them, allowing yourself the time and opportunity for them to emerge and become an integrated part of your life. With a spirit of curiosity and kindness, we will engage in meditative and inquiry practices that support realignment, deep rest, letting go and embodiment. To invite inner intimacy, part of the day will be held in silence. Each retreat day will include guided meditations, teaching sessions, as well as mindful speaking and listening, being present in the relational field and conversations with the teacher.
The teachings and meditation techniques we practice are mostly based on the Theravada Buddhist tradition and are over 2,500 years old. Taking part in the retreat does not, however, require an adherence to Buddhism or any adaptation of personal faith.
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 format of the retreat
The retreat will take place online, using Zoom as the platform.
The retreat will start on Wednesday 12th May at 19.30 Finnish time (18.30 CET/17.30 GMT)
The schedule will look as follows Thursday 13th to Saturday 15th:
9.30-11.00 instructions & guided meditation
11.00-14.00 practice on your own: lunch, walking meditation, rest
14.00-15.30 guided meditation, Q&C
19.30-21.00 dharma talk, inquiry, metta
On Sunday May 16th the morning schedule is the same as Thu-Sat, and the retreat ends at 15:30.
Who is the teacher?
LEELA SARTI has been a student of the Buddha’s teachings and practices for more than 30 years. She lives with her family in Sweden, in the Stockholm archipelago, and in addition to teaching Insight Meditation retreats internationally, works individually with students in her practice in Stockholm, and these days over zoom. Leela has a masters degree in psychology and is a long term student and teacher trainee in the Diamond Approach Path. In her free time, Leela enjoys being out in nature; hiking, kayaking, riding and gardening.
How much does it cost? How can I sign up?
The base price is 30 euros. This covers the practical expenses of the retreat. You may sign up by filling in the registration form. More information about the price, registration and other details.
Warmly,
Marianne Kautiala (registrations, +358 50 531 8228)
Anna Backholm (manager, +358 40 5362 946)