Two-Week Meditation Retreat – WEEK 2 ONLY

“In the practice of meditation, you step beyond your hope and fear. You develop trust in the strength of your being and in your ability to extend yourself to others, and you find you have tremendous willingness to do so.”

– Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche

Join us for this two-week group meditation retreat devoted to the practice of mindfulness. Open to all, this retreat is the equivalent of Shambhala Training Levels 1 to 3 and/or a half-dathun. The Shambhala Training is a cycle of five contemplative weekend trainings, suitable for both beginning and advanced meditators. Founded by Chögyam Trungpa in 1976, the Shambhala Training offers teachings based on the vision that there is a source of awakened wisdom within every one of us, and that we can discover, cultivate and manifest this wisdom in our lives.

Overview

This retreat is open to anyone who wishes to explore the practice of meditation as a means for developing gentleness and courage in their life. We will use the meditation technique of mindfulness and awareness, which is beneficial to all practitioners, irrespective of their spiritual tradition or lifestyle. Practising together as a group creates an atmosphere of courage and wakefulness. This mutual support and inspiration is at the heart of this two-week long journey.

The retreat follows the basic schedule developed by Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche. The daily schedule begins at 7am and ends around 9pm most evenings. Sitting meditation sessions are alternated with walking meditation throughout the day. The three main meals are served and eaten in the meditation hall using the Zen contemplative eating practice of oryoki. After lunch, there is a mid-day work period (“rota”), when participants have light cleaning and kitchen tasks, which are opportunities for meditation in action.

Silence or “functional talking” is practised most of the time. Silence is not regarded as cutting off or isolating ourselves, but as a profound way to open our awareness and senses to ourselves and our world.

The retreat will be led by two senior teachers, Tessa Racine and David Hope, who will be supported by a staff of experienced meditation instructors. There will be regular dharma talks and individual meetings with a meditation instructor at which participants can talk about their practice.

Practice Sessions Include:

-Mindfulness and awareness practices
-Sitting and walking meditation
-Individual meditation instruction
-Talks by senior teachers
-Body exercise
-Study periods
-Silence practice
-Silent walks in nature
-Mindful eating practice

For beginners as well as advanced practitioners, this programme will provide a powerful experience, regardless of age, stage in life, or previous experience with meditation.         

Typical Daily Schedule:

Each day follows a traditional schedule, incorporating the elements listed above:

7:00am Early Morning Practice Session with body exercises
8:00am Breakfast
9:00am Morning Practice Session
12:30pm Lunch in silence (“one-bowl meal”)
2:00pm Rota Period
3:00pm Afternoon Practice Session
4:30pm Tea Break
5:00pm Late Afternoon Practice Session
6:45pm Dinner
8:00pm Evening Practice Session
9:00pm End of Day

Practical information

For participants who would like to register for the second week only.

Arrival day: Friday June 14. You’re invited to come from 4 pm in order to register and settle in your room. Dinner is served at 7 pm.

End of programme (Saturday June 22): Closing circle and banquet in the evening.

Departure day (Sunday June 23): You may leave anytime (no programme). You’re welcome to stay for breakfast.

This programme is taught in English and will be translated into French. Other languages need to be confirmed (please indicate your request for translation on the registration page).