AWAKEN
VIPASSANĀ RETREAT
ALGARVE, PORTUGAL
The soteriological path laid down by the Buddha over 2600 years ago is a contemplative journey into the nature of the mind and body, designed for the purpose of eradicating suffering (dukkha) from human life.
Buddhism expounds that our human suffering arises as a result of wrong knowledge or ignorance (avijja), of not seeing clearly the ultimate reality of our embodied existence. The term Buddha itself, derived from the Pāli word ‘bodhi ’ and its root ‘budh’, means to awaken. To be ‘buddha’ means to rouse the mind from its conditioned sleep (avijja), awakening it to the fundamental truths and laws of nature.
In this eight-day meditation retreat held in noble silence at the beautiful Bodhi Bhavan retreat centre (Algarve, Portugal), practitioners will apply the ancient method of vipassanā meditation, cultivating insight into the true nature of all psychophysical phenomena, awakening the mind and releasing it from its conditioning and concomitant suffering.
This meditation journey will integrate the practice of metta (loving-kindness) meditation with the traditional and potent vipassanā methodology of the revered Burmese master Mahāsi Sayadaw, as passed down to Whit over his 15 years of study and practice within the Buddhist tradition, including intensive monastic experiences in Mahāsi Sayadaw’s monastery in Rangoon, Burma.
Metta (loving-kindness) is often considered a prerequisite to vipassanā meditation, and through personal experience Whit holds it in high regard as a fundamental component of the path towards liberating insight.
“The great Burmese Master Mahasi Sayadaw’s approach to meditation is very clear, very precise and ‘to the point,’ faithfully adhering to the method of the Buddha in his own successful search for Enlightenment. Whit Hornsberger’s experiences of intensive monastic meditation in Burma, combined with his studies of Yoga and other forms of Eastern Spirituality, have given him a unique ability to communicate to Westerners a classical approach to meditation, one that is deeply rooted in the profound Burmese tradition.”
This retreat includes daily yoga practice, daily interviews with the teacher, Dhamma talks and intensive periods of sitting and walking meditation.
The retreat is offered by the teacher through the Buddhist practice of dāna (donation) or generosity.
We look forward to spending this transformative week with you in the inspiring surroundings of southern Portugal.
- This retreat is limited to 16 practitioners -
THIS RETREAT IS NOW SOLD OUT - JOIN WAITING LIST BELOW
PRICES* (Based on double occupancy + all vegan/vegetarian meals):
Room Category A: SOLD OUT
630€ /person + Dāna (Donation)**
Room Category B: SOLD OUT
560€ /person + Dāna (Donation)**
* 5% tax not included
* Category A rooms are slightly larger than Category B rooms.
**IMPORTANT**: This retreat is offered by the teacher by way of the traditional Buddhist practice of dāna (generosity). The price shown covers accommodation and meals (vegan/vegetarian) only.
It is important that each practitioner understands that the teacher receives no payment for this retreat aside from the donation that is offered by the students.
At the culmination of the retreat each practitioner will be required to practice dāna/generosity, making a donation to the teacher. Please make sure that you have read the dāna page and understand this practice before applying for the retreat. If you have any questions about the practice of dāna, please let us know.
We thank you for your generous support to allow us to continue sharing the teachings of the Buddha in the way they have been passed down for 2600 years.
***A 50% non-refundable deposit is required upon registration. Full balance due by September 1st, 2021.
***In the event that this retreat is postponed due to a complete Covid-19 travel ban, a full refund will be issued minus 50€.