Insight Meditation Retreat 8.-15.7.2011 in Loppi

Through the simple yet profound process of paying attention to our experience, we discover a path of peace and freedom. The skillful application of mindfulness enables us to investigate our experience in ways that bring energy, ease and tranquility. This well-being is fertile soil for concentration to develop. The process culminates in equanimity and release from stress and suffering. This practice also brings out and strengthens our innate resources of patience and kindness, creativity and joy.

This insight meditation (vipassana) retreat is suitable for both beginners and advanced meditators. For beginners, the retreat is a great way to learn the basics of insight meditation and see its effects clearly. For advanced meditators, the retreat offers an excellent opportunity to deepen and clarify one’s practice in the guidance of an experienced teacher.

The retreat is held in English. The days are spent in silence and consist of sitting and walking meditation, dharma talks, work period, small group discussions and individual interviews. Vegetarian breakfast, lunch, and a light dinner are served during the retreat. The venue of the retreat is Abhayaloka retreat center in Loppi, about 70 km north of Helsinki, Finland.

The retreat will be taught by Caroline Jones and Chris Cullen. Caroline Jones has been practising meditation since 1989. She started teaching in 2006, and now teaches at Gaia House and internationally. She has also covered periods at Gaia House as resident teacher. Caroline teaches in Finland annually. You may find some of her talks at: http://www.dharmaseed.org/teacher/362/.

Chris Cullen works as a mindfulness teacher and psychotherapist. Until recently he was Head of Pastoral Care & Counselling at Hampton School in London. He regularly leads retreats at Gaia House in Devon. Chris is co-founder and Co-Director of the Mindfulness in Schools Project. He is currently studying for a Master’s degree in Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy at the University of Oxford. Some of his talks may be downloaded from: http://www.dharmaseed.org/teacher/371/.

The price of the retreat is 180 euros. For those who register after June 20th, the price is 200 euros. The retreat cost covers the traveling expenses of the teachers, the rent of the retreat facility, and the food expenses. The teachers and the organizers do not receive any payment for their services; instead, the retreatants may support the teachers and the organizers by donations after the retreat.

Please send your registrations / inquiries to us at nirodha.ry@gmail.com. We will send the registration form and more detailed information to those who have expressed their interest.