Ancient Wisdom/Modern World – A 5-day Insight Dialogue retreat

In this time of pandemic, we are more acutely aware of our interdependence with each other. At the same time, the climate crisis calls us to recognise our interdependence with the more-than-human-world. Under these conditions, the delusion of an autonomous, self-sufficient ‘I’ is a construction that becomes easily questionable. The ancient teachings of the Buddha speak across time, inviting a deepening apprehension of our embeddedness within the very fabric of the world. They call on us to cultivate a path that reduces suffering not only for oneself, but for all beings.

The meditative practice of Insight Dialogue addresses the urgent need for a practice that recognises the social and interpersonal as intrinsic to awakening. Grounded in the Vipassana tradition, it invites the  mindfulness, investigation, concentration and tranquility experienced in solitary practice, into the context of our relational lives. Meditating together, kindness, care and compassion arise naturally. The dharma becomes alive in the immediacy of the present moment. With the support of the other, awakening is possible, together.

During this retreat we will explore how the ancient teachings of the Buddha meet the challenges of our modern times. In particular we will explore how the teachings invite us into a life of care. We will enquire into, and attune to, our innate capacity for care as a powerful connecting force in our lives, refreshing, enlivening and strengthening it.

The retreat will include periods of silent personal meditation and relational meditation in dyads and small groups.

An established meditation or mindfulness practice is needed to participate in the retreat.

The meditation techniques we practice are over 2,500 years old and are mostly based on the Theravada Buddhist tradition. Taking part in this online offering does not, however, require an adherence to Buddhism or any adaptation of personal faith.

Teachings are offered in English unless otherwise specified in the retreat schedule.

Why take part in the retreat? What happens on a retreat?

The current conditions we are living in bring both challenges and possibilities to our lives. A meditation retreat can serve both as an immediate resource, and as an opportunity to deepen our practice and understanding. A home based retreat offers a chance to nourish our practice through support from teachers as well as the community of other practitioners. We will offer a daily structure of instructions, guided meditations, Dharma talks, and opportunities to connect in small groups.

We are aware that all of us live with varying conditions and that this will affect the way that we enter into a period of retreat. How much available time we have, whether we are living alone or with others, whether we can fully immerse in silence, as well as responsibilities we may have for others, will all affect the form our retreat takes.

We would like this retreat to support the whole range of conditions in which participants find themselves. In this regard, it is possible to take part in the retreat while living in seclusion and solitude, and equally possible to do it while living with one’s family and taking care of daily responsibilities including going to work. We will offer a suggested full schedule, so that those who are able can engage in continuity of practice for the whole day. This is balanced with flexibility, so that those who have responsibilities to others can attend while participating in just the few recommended sessions each day. In either case the retreat form can provide a great support for deepening in wisdom & compassion.

Who are the teachers?

Rosalie Dores is an Insight Dialogue Retreat teacher. She has taught online programs, as well as workshops and retreats in Europe and Asia. She encountered this transformative practice in 2006 and it has informed her life and work ever since. Rosalie has practiced meditation and yoga since 1992, beginning with Goenka Vipassana, and currently practices within the Theravada and Insight meditation communities. Dharma study and practice are central to her life. She is a dedicated Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction teacher, trainer and supervisor, who emphasizes the somatic dimension of experience in all of her teaching. Rosalie lives in the UK.

Suvi Laukkanen is an Insight Dialogue Teacher. She has been practicing meditation and mindfulness since 2003 and Insight Dialogue since 2007.
She has been facilitating and teaching Insight Dialogue groups locally and online since 2012. Committed to a lifelong career of healing, she has shifted from practice as a medical doctor to psychotherapy and currently mentors medical doctors and psychotherapists and teaches e.g. interpersonal mindfulness and compassion focused therapy. Suvi lives in Tampere, Finland.

How much does it cost? How can I sign up?

The base price of the retreat is 30€. More information about the price, registration and other details.

Warmly,
Marianne (Nella) Kautiala (+358 50 531 8228)