REMEMBER
VIPASSANĀ RETREAT
VICTORIA, VANCOUVER ISLAND, CANADA
The Buddha’s liberating path and practice of vipassanā (insight) meditation is built upon the foundation of mindfulness (sati), the objective and detached receptivity of mind which enables the mind to see clearly the ultimate reality of all psychophysical and sensory phenomena, leading to freedom from suffering (dukkha) and unconditional inner peace.
The ancient Pāli word sati, most commonly translated to English as ‘mindfulness,’ is related to the Pāli verb sarāti, the literal translation meaning ‘to remember’. Sati, thus, encompasses a wide range of meaning, applicable to both our formal practice and the shared lives we live out upon this planet with all life forms.
Sati as an act of remembering, simply put, means to remember that which is often so easily forgotten - the present moment. Yet, so too, the practice of satipatthāna (mindfulness meditation) leading to vipassanā (insight) also acts as a guide home to the epicentre of our true nature. Sati is, thus, a conscious act which enables us to remember who we truly are, beyond the limitations of those conceptual labels we carry from birth and their oft-associated suffering.
Lastly, but by no means exclusively, as our retreat is scheduled to run over the Remembrance Day holiday (November 11th), the meaning of sati as ‘to remember’ is highly pertinent to our time together. We will discuss, acknowledge and through practice embody the realization that, although we practice to emancipate our heart-minds from suffering, leading to an unshakable inner peace, we certainly do not practice solely for our own benefit.
We, also, practice for the well-being of our planet and all of its inhabitants, doing our own inner-work to catalyse the spread of peace, non-violence and tranquility throughout the world. Trusting that one day, through great perseverance and patient endurance, our human family will evolve beyond the barbaric wars and ignorant military might which can never lead to the global peace for which we aspire. And that through our heart-led practices we are contributing to peace in this world, one mindful moment at a time.
“In this world, hate never yet dispelled hate.
Only love dispels hate. This is the law.
Ancient and inexhaustible.”
- Gotama Buddha
In this five-day meditation retreat held in noble silence at the beautiful Earthspring Sanctuary retreat centre on Vancouver Island, practitioners will apply the ancient method of vipassanā meditation, cultivating insight and the transformative wisdom capable of freeing our heart-minds from their past conditioning and concomitant suffering.
This retreat will integrate mettā (loving-kindness) and mudīta (appreciative joy/gratitude) meditation with the traditional and potent vipassanā methodology of the revered Burmese master Mahāsi Sayadaw, as passed down to Whit over his 16 years of study and practice within the Buddhist tradition, including intensive monastic experiences at Mahāsi Sayadaw’s monastery in Rangoon, Burma.
Metta (loving-kindness) is often considered a prerequisite to vipassanā meditation, and through personal experience Whit holds both it and mudīta meditation in high regard, as fundamental components 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. 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 look forward to spending this transformative week with you in the inspiring temperate rainforest of southern Vancouver Island.
- This retreat is limited to 16 practitioners -
THIS RETREAT IS NOW SOLD OUT - JOIN WAITING LIST BELOW
PRICES* (Includes all vegan/vegetarian meals):
Private Room (Queen Bed) with ensuite bathroom:
$695 CND* / person + Dāna (Donation)**
Shared Room (Queen Bed) with ensuite bathroom:
$515 CND* / person + Dāna (Donation)**
Shared Room (Two Twin Beds) with ensuite bathroom:
$595 CND* / person + Dāna (Donation)**
Shared Cabin (1 Queen & 1 Twin Pullout) with shared bathroom:
$595 CND* / person + Dāna (Donation)**
Shared Dorm (Single Bed) with shared bathroom:
$545 CND* / person + Dāna (Donation)**
* 5% tax not included
BYOP (Bring your own props): For this retreat we kindly ask you to bring your own meditation set-up/props and a yoga mat. eg: zafu (sitting cushion), blankets, pillows. (chairs will also be provided for sitting practice).
**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 Whit 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 October 21st, 2021.
***In the event that this retreat is postponed due to a complete Covid-19 ban, a full refund will be issued minus $50 CND.