VIVEKA
VIPASSANĀ RETREAT
ALGARVE, PORTUGAL
In the ancient wisdom tradition of Buddhism viveka refers to a state of inner seclusion and solitude. A detachment born from the arising discriminative and liberating wisdom that sees clearly the true nature of mind and body, the prerequisite for the cessation of unsatisfactoriness and suffering (dukkha).
We embark upon the journey towards reawakening this innate state of viveka, and concomitant inner peace of the human heart, by secluding the physical body within the embracing presence of the Monchique mountains of Portugal’s Algarve region.
Building upon the inherent physical seclusion found within our inspiring natural surroundings, our experience will, through one’s own efforts upon the cushion and walking paths amongst the mountainous environment, systematically return the mind to its original state of detached receptivity and the equanimous refuge of awareness.
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, reawakening the innate state of mental and spiritual seclusion known as viveka and resulting in the systematic eradication of suffering (dukkha).
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 FULL - JOIN WAITING LIST BELOW
PRICES* (Based on double occupancy + all vegan/vegetarian meals):
Room Category A: SOLD OUT
645€ /person + Dāna (Donation)**
Room Category B: SOLD OUT
575€ /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 August 1st, 2022.
***In the event that this retreat is postponed due to a complete Covid-19 travel ban, a full refund will be issued minus 50€.