During this retreat, we will explore a mindfulness practice inspired by the teachings of Sayadaw U Tejaniya, based on the Four Foundations of Mindfulness with an emphasis on awareness of the qualtities of mind. The practice encourages relaxation of body and mind while paying close attention to present moment experience, and the quality of the mind that meditates. The practice unfolds through continuity of awareness in all activities.
Since this is an online retreat, we realize that many of you will be retreating from home, or sheltering-in-place with families, and that you will have needs and responsibilities in addition to the retreat. This practice applies to all of that activity. If your situation allows for seclusion, the practice also applies to formal meditation practice. One of the beautiful things about Sayadaw U Tejaniya’s teachings is that the same meditation instructions apply whether we are sitting in stillness or practicing in relationship to the world.
The retreat schedule can be found below. It has been crafted taking into account that Andrea is offering her teachings from California. It includes periods of teaching, guided meditation and opportunities for questions&answers with Andrea, as well as optional small group meetings and guided meditations with the assistant teacher Anne Patrikainen. There will also be a few scheduled peer led silent sittings with the community each day, but largely you will be encouraged to practice in your own rhythm. Please commit to fully attend the teaching sessions offered each day by Andrea. We do understand that your lives may not allow you to participate in the entire daily schedule.
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 mainly in English.
Retreat schedule
September 18
5:30 pm: Check in for Zoom technicalities
7–9 pm: Retreat opening and initial instructions (managers + teachers)
September 19-23
6:30-7:30 am: Morning instructions / guided meditation with Andrea
9:30 am: Small group meetings with Anne
2–3 pm: Guided meditation + questions&answers with Anne
7–9 pm: Guided meditation / reflections / questions&answers with Andrea
+ some peer-led silent sittings each day + sitting, walking and daily life meditation practice in your own rhythm.
Who are the teachers?
Andrea Fella has been practicing Insight Meditation since 1996, and was quickly drawn to intensive retreat practice. She has done a number of long retreats, both in the United States and in Burma. During one long practice period in Burma, she ordained as a nun with Sayadaw U Janaka. Andrea is especially drawn to the wisdom teachings of the Buddha. Her teachings emphasize clarity and practicality. She is a member of the Spirit Rock Guiding Teachers Council, and teaches residential retreats for at Spirit Rock, Insight Meditation Society, and other retreat centers. You can hear some of Andrea’s dharma talks at www.audiodharma.org. You can find Sayadaw U Tejaniya’s own website here.
Anne Patrikainen has practiced vipassana meditation since 2004 and sat numerous retreats in Europe, USA, and Asia. She has studied in Spirit Rock’s Dedicated Practitioners’ Program and Advanced Practitioners’ Program, and is currently a participant in the 2018-2021 Bodhi College Teacher Training Programme. In her teaching Anne likes to emphasize clarity, concrete daily life practice examples, as well as kindness and compassion for oneself. Anne’s background is originally in computer science, but in addition to teaching, she now works part-time as a psychologist.
How much does it cost? How can I sign up?
The base price of the retreat is 30€. You may sign up by paying the registration fee and filling in the registration form. More information about the price, registration and other details.
Warmly,
Marianne Kautiala (registration, +358 50 531 8228)