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.

Join Shantiji this Easter as she weaves the views and practices of the Vedic tradition together with those of the Buddhist tradition. She will teach you how to cultivate mind transmission both as a practice as well as a way of life. Take part in one of the practice intensives led by a master of meditation.

Taking bookings now for the Vipassana retreat next year - Easter 2011

VIPASSANA MEDITATION, the path of insight
Like a monkey jumping from branch to branch, is our stream of consciousness. However, 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.

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 stillness, silence and peace. Its practice is the first step towards a calmer life, greater clarity of mind, a release of strength and wisdom in our lives and a direct realisation of a wellspring of strength and space within. The quiet depths, untroubled by the agitation and churning that exists on the surface of the ocean of mind, reveal the source of all that we are.

You will be guided and supported in your practice by Shanti Gowans, a specialist meditation master, who combines the precision of Mindfulness (c.f. An Easy Guide to Meditation, Shanti Gowans), which is essential for taming the unruly mind with the openness and clarity of Vipassana (c.f. Sitting beyond Thinking, Shanti Gowans), the flame that burns up dualistic ego-mind and allows us to glimpse mind’s empty essence.

By attending a retreat in Vipassana meditation, 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, deepen your practice and tame the unruly mind with the openness and clarity of Vipassana meditation. 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 practised. Holding your mind steady, ensuring that you and not the mind, determines the content and activity of your consciousness, ceasing from active thought going from one-pointedness to no-point, you will sit 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.

TOTAL RELAXATION: Meditation made easy through training the mind
Mind training is a practice which involves redefining, reconceptualising and reprogramming one’s intentions and way of thinking, hence it is called ‘Mind Training’. It consists of fifty-nine or so proverbs that are designed as a skillful set of antidotes to the unskilful mental habits, paranoia and fixed ideas that cause us all so much suffering. The contemplative practice of exchanging self for other (tonglen practice or ‘sending and taking’) is emphasised in conjunction with the day-to-day application of the mind training slogans. The twin foundations of the practice can be very roughly translated as ‘open-mindedness’, suggestions to expand and loosen up one’s view of the world, and ‘compassion’, which consist of suggestions for relating to the world in a more constructive way.

This does not require you to sign on to a particular system of beliefs, nor is it something you can only do on your meditation cushion. In fact, the best practice is often done out in the world, with exactly those people and situations that upset and irritate you the most.

This fresh approach will greatly benefit you by overcoming obstacles and transforming confusion into wisdom. Practitioners undertake to connect with the world in an unconditionally positive way and also to take full responsibility for their experience of it.

PEACE LOVE & HEALING: Recharge. Feel better naturally. Transformational and healing
Take a step back and withdraw to a place of seclusion, shelter and privacy, away from home and your daily routine. More than a holiday, a retreat at Nirvana is an invaluable experience that focuses on a healthy, balanced life offered in a beautiful location with an atmosphere of serenity and beauty. Pack the essentials and experience yoga beyond the mat. Restore yourself in a life that nourishes you.

Yoga is the union of mind, breath and body as the one unified consciousness that underlies everything. All creation is a manifestation of this changeless reality. Beneath the world of change is the changeless. Its gifts wholly sustain at every level. Yoga invites you to turn inwards, be still, breathe consciously, move with awareness, stretch and interact with honesty and trust your own wisdom.

Invite your body-mind back to balance with restorative Shanti yoga
The practice of Shanti Yoga, suitable for both new and experienced students, which uses the body as a vehicle for accessing consciousness, has profound effects on the mind, emotions, and physical body. This experiential exploration of asana has four aspects: hatha yoga poses with a focus on alignment and coordination of body and breath; longer meditative holding of postures with breath; vinyasa, flow in the dance of asana movement and joint mobilisation. These enable us to allow our blockages, sensations, thoughts and emotions to be safely experienced with compassion and tenderness. We dissolve blocks and release healing life force energy, establish an intimate and nurturing relationship with our bodies and tap into our own inner knowing. Our bodies become the temple in which we invoke the presence of the divine. These practices cultivate one’s dignity and natural gifts that are able to widen one’s sphere of compassionate and practical influence and are based on a societal vision and aspiration to help the world.

Meditation is a simple, enjoyable, calm abiding practice for achieving inner peace and self-realisation. Through meditation, the mind can settle and clarify to become strong and flexible. You learn to be present and uncover your natural vibrancy, insight, inherent wakefulness and discover the delight of being human.

Ayurveda, the Indian system of medicine, as outlined in the classic text books of medicine, written thousands of years ago, is gentle, natural, personal knowledge about life, longevity and healing. All forms of holistic healing are integrated through this unique healing system. Nature works her healing magic.

WHAT YOU WILL EXPERIENCE AT RETREAT
Don’t miss this opportunity to associate with like-minded people, eat well and healthily but not gain weight and get a fresh start during this group retreat which you can attend for a weekend or over the full ten days. Share scrumptious Ayurvedic, melt in your mouth home-cooking and develop a taste for life. There is no meat or fish, alcohol or drugs. The entire venue is non-smoking.

At Nirvana Wellness Retreat Centre, participants sleep in their own rooms and we all meet to practice in our main practice room. No prior retreat practice is necessary. It’s a great way to learn the practice and gain confidence in it whilst having a wonderful time with other sangha brothers and sisters. There is ample time in the schedule for meditation instruction and what ends up being, very lively and helpful discussions.

There will be daily guided meditation. Program includes time for contemplation, leisure, walks, other outdoor activities and free time. Treatment comes from the outside, healing comes from within. You experience the spontaneous movement of silence in spiritual growth, clarity and inner peace through daily deep, deep relaxation, stress release and self healing for body, mind and spirit. You will be inspired and rejuvenated by spiritual talks and discussions, as expounded in Yoga, Vedanta and Buddhist philosophy dealing with enlightenment. Enjoy spiritual practices towards a still mind, healthy body, joyful and free spirit. When the mind touches the body, cells respond. Experience your own healing magic and that of nature.

Spaces are limited for this very special and life changing retreat, so avoid procrastinating. Book early to secure your place.

Retreat prices

Fee includes programs, activities, meals and 4 choices of accommodation.

Room Options
Standard rooms
These rooms provide an opportunity to meet people. They allow for two people per room and have nearby bathrooms.
$298/day. $596w/end. $1785wk.
Pay for 6 nights, get 7th night free. ( i.e. bonus of $298)

Standard plus rooms
These simple, peaceful rooms are a great midrange option. They include a single bed, with shared facilities in the bathrooms nearby.
$325/day. $650w/end. $1950wk.
Pay for 6 nights, get 7th night free ( i.e. bonus of $325)

Ensuite Rooms
These quiet, private rooms are perfect for those who want a real retreat and include simple décor, a single bed and private amenities.
Twin share. $360/day. $720w/end. $2160wk. Pay for 6 nights, get 7th night free. (i.e. bonus of $360)
Single $395/day. $790w/end. $2370wk. Pay for 6 nights, get 7th night free (i.e. bonus of $395)

Detox add $500 per 7 days or $85 per day