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MEDITATION RETREATS
Like a monkey jumping from branch to branch is our stream of consciousness. But we have the power to stop the antics of this "monkey mind" and achieve the quiet or still mind that is essential to develop our spiritual nature. The practice of systematically vacating and unifying consciousness releases a state of mind, structured differently from the ordinary waking state, nonetheless accompanied by awareness, and characterised by an unusual degree of lucidity. Concentration is necessary. Holding the mind steady... ensuring that you and not the mind determines the content and activity of your consciousness... going from one-pointedness to no-point... ceasing from active thought.
Meditation has been the central focus of many spiritual traditions. It is not a social activity. It is an inner journey that takes place in silence and alone. Its practice is the first step towards a calmer life, greater clarity of mind, release of strength and wisdom in our lives, and the direct realisation of a wellspring of strength and space within. The quiet depths, untroubled by the agitation and churning on the surface of the ocean of mind, reveal the source of all that we are.
Fee is inclusive of program, activities, meals and 3 choices of accommodation:
Twin share, shared facilities $260 per day or $450 per weekend special
Single room, shared facilities $275 per day or $495 per weekend special
Single room with ensuite $310 per day or $550 per weekend special
Fee is inclusive of program, activities, meals and 3 choices of accommodation:
Twin share, shared facilities $260 per day or $1785 per week
Single room, shared facilities $275 per day or $1925 per week
Single room, ensuite $310 per day or $2135 per week
Jan 18-20 Meditation: Art of being Human - vedic
Feb 1-3 Meditation: Sitting beyond thinking (mahamudra)
March 20-30 Easter Meditation (Vipassana). Simply Breathing
March 28-30 Meditation: Inner peace - cert IV
May 16-18 Meditation: Uncovering peace Cert IV
July 25-27 Meditation: Timeless freedom Cert IV (Cosmology)
Sept 26-28 Meditation: The present is the presence
Nov 21-23 Pranayama - the breath, the breath, the breath Cert IV
Experience the spontaneous movement of silence in spiritual growth, clarity, inner peace. When the mind touches the body, cells respond. Deep, deep relaxation daily, stress relief and self healing for body, mind and spirit. Treatment comes from the outside, healing comes from within. Nature heals. God heals.
Spiritual talks and discussions for inspiration and rejuvenation, as expounded in Yoga, Vedanta and Buddhist philosophy dealing with enlightenment and spiritual practices towards a still mind, healthy body, joyful and free spirit. Based on the Satipatthana Sutra - a very important discourse of the Buddha as it mainly deals with different subjects of contemplation to develop Concentration (Samatha) and Insight (Vipassana). Sati means mindfulness, awareness, attentiveness. Patthana means establishment, foundation, bases, subjects, application. Satipatthana therefore means 'The Foundations of mindfulness'. Satipatthana can also be derived from Sati + Upatthana, arousing or application, the application or arousing of mindfulness.
Free time. Program includes time for contemplation, leisure, walks and other outdoor activities. Share soul food. Ayurvedic melt in your mouth scrumptious home-cooking a taste for life. There is no meat or fish, alcohol or drug. The entire venue is non-smoking.
BUDHA’S Maha Satipatthana Sutra
VIPASSANA Meditation...
....................the path of insight
Our stream of consciousness is like that of a monkey jumping from branch to branch. Yet we have the power to stop the antics of this ‘monkey mind’, to achieve a quiet or still mind which is essential for the development of our spiritual nature.
Shantiji conducts retreats in Vipassana meditation to meet the needs of students, both living in the East and West. In attending a VIPASSANA RETREAT the emphasis is always on the actual practice. Given this emphasis, explanations are still necessary to provide the context for the practice. The Maha Satipatthana Sutra, The Great Discourse on the Foundations of Mindfulness is an important text because all instructions are directly or indirectly based on Buddha’s teachings. What makes this text so powerful and inspiring is that Buddha’s actual words are presented here.
Shantiji presents both the original work as well as an expose of contemporary thought, presenting a wide world view, showing you how the practice of meditation can be a deep and life-sustaining activity.
This Easter retreat is for those of you who wish to find your path, gain knowledge and be in your right mind which is somewhere between being insane or brainless, sitting wholeheartedly in the middle of your life with clarity and practicality. Experienced vipassana practitioners will also find this retreat of great benefit because of its wealth of doctrinal and practical dharma treasures.
Spaces are limited for this very special and life changing retreat, so don't procrastinate! book early to secure your place.
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