Retreat Description: This retreat will use the thought of Wang Yang-Ming (1472–1529) as a way of entering into the Buddha’s understanding of practical ethics—how we should live and who we should become. Ethical cultivation lies at the heart of both the Buddha’s teaching and classical Chinese civilisation, while the practice of mindfulness supports inquiry and develops the “innate knowing” that unifies understanding and action. In this retreat, we will bring these perspectives together as a living practice of self-cultivation in the multi-cultural world in which we live.

This 7-night silent retreat will include:

Sustained periods of silence, alternating sitting and walking meditation

Periods of gentle mindful movement/stretching

Meditation instructions on cultivating mindfulness

Additional practice guidance to strengthen kindness throughout the day

Dharma talks

Periods of mindfulness work and rest

Regular private interviews with the retreat teachers

The container of Silence includes refraining from speaking (except with the teachers as scheduled and as needed), reading, writing (except to record meditation experience), and technology, with the exception of emergencies of course. It is a rare opportunity to slow down and give our hearts and minds some space to access our inner wisdom and compassion.

Join us to nourish and sustain your practice, in a safe and beautiful environment, with wonderful healthy food and supported by experienced teachers.

ABOUT THE RETREAT TEACHERS

Patrick Kearney has practised mindfulness meditation (satipaṭṭhāna vipassanā) since 1977. He is a senior Dharma teacher and has taught mindfulness meditation full-time for over 20 years, both in Australia and abroad. Most of Patrick’s practise has been in the insight meditation lineage of Mahāsī Sayādaw of Burma, which included several years as a Buddhist monk. His main teachers were Sayādaw U Paṇḍita and John Hale. He has also trained in the Diamond Sangha lineage of Zen Buddhism. He has studied early Buddhism at post-graduate levels and has a particular interest in the original teachings of the Buddha, before the invention of “Buddhism.” This allows him to bring the radical insights of the Buddha to our contemporary situation.

Carmen Teo, EdD, E-RYT 500, has practiced yoga since 2004 and discovered mindfulness meditation in 2007 as a graduate student in the US. She found her life transformed in bittersweet ways through self-inquiry and exploring the wisdom traditions of Yoga and Buddhism. Carmen’s root practice is in the Theravada Thai Forest tradition of Ajahn Chah and the Mahasi tradition, with Patrick Kearney as her primary Dharma teacher. A dedicated meditator, she has attended more than 20 silent retreats. Carmen has been a teacher, teachers’ mentor and researcher of contemporary mindfulness and yoga for the last fourteen years, including serving as a MBSR Teacher Mentor with UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness and completing her doctoral research on mindfulness and its teaching practice.

WHO IS THIS FOR?

This silent retreat is open to individuals who would like to further develop their mindfulness meditation practice. Some experience with mindfulness meditation is expected.

In addition, this retreat is also for those already teaching or interested in teaching mindfulness-based programs (MBP) such as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention Therapy and Mindful Self-Compassion. The Retreat meets the silent retreat requirements for teacher training and certification for all Mindfulness-Based Interventions.

*Note: A silent meditation retreat may not be suitable for some people currently seeking psychiatric treatments, recently experiencing distressing life situations, or with severe unresolved traumas. As such, we request interested participants to complete an application form for us to understand your situation and advise your suitability.

Please click on event link for details on fees and application process.