VIPASSANĀ RETREAT
VANCOUVER ISLAND, CANADA
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 temperate rainforest of southern Vancouver Island.
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 forest, systematically return the mind to its original state of detached receptivity and the equanimous refuge of awareness.
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 into the true nature of all psychophysical phenomena, awakening the mind and releasing it from its 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 18 practitioners -
PRICES* (Includes all vegan/vegetarian meals):
Private Room (Queen) w/ ensuite bathroom / shared shower
$750 CAD* / person + Dāna (Donation)** - 1 LEFT
Shared Room (Queen) w/ ensuite bathroom / shared shower
$615 CAD* / person + Dāna (Donation)** - SOLD OUT
Shared Room (2 x Twin Beds) w/ ensuite bathroom / shared shower
$660 CAD* / person + Dāna (Donation)** - 1 SPOT LEFT
Shared Cabin (1 Queen & 1 Twin) w/ shared bathroom
$675 CAD* / person + Dāna (Donation)** - SOLD OUT
Shared Dorm (Single Bed) w/ shared bathroom:
$610 CAD* / person + Dāna (Donation)** - 2 SPOTS LEFT (female)
Private Treehouse (Single Bed) w/ shared bathroom
$650 CAD* / person + Dāna (Donation)** - SOLD OUT
* 5% tax not included
**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 June 2nd, 2025.
***Two weeks prior to the retreat start (June 21st), all payments are non-refundable.