|
ANNUAL WINTER
RETREAT
The Winter Retreat
is the equivalent to the traditional 3-month rainy season retreat, which is
held in monasteries of various Buddhist traditions. It dates back to the
time of the Buddha when the monks and nuns were traveling and teaching the
Dharma in the different parts of India throughout the year. However, during
the rainy season when traveling became difficult, they collected together as
a community to learn and practice the Dharma and to share their way of life
and their experience in the practice.
Today, the monastic members still continue this tradition of gathering
together to practice for 3 months every year. we are happy to also receive
lay friends who wish to attend this special retreat and share their practice
and way of life with us during this period. We recommend a minimum stay of
one week and if you really would like to deepen your practice you can apply
to stay for the whole length of the retreat (3 months).
Just as in the time of the Buddha certain boundaries will be observed during
this retreat (basically the monastery grounds) and we would like to ask your
support in sharing this practice with us even if you only stay a short
period of time or have your own car. Specifically, that means we should
refrain from going into town or taking outings unless there is a special
reason.
Our practice helps us weave mindfulness into all daily activities, not
focusing just on sitting meditation in the meditation hall. This enables us
to meditate throughout the day, while eating, walking, working, and enjoying
a cup of tea together. Retreatants are invited to help in communal
activities, such as preparing meals, general cleaning, washing dishes etc...
as a way of continuing mindfulness practice while performing everyday tasks. |
