Retreat Schedule

Retreat Courses and Schedules

We offer three courses in English language – a 3-day course, Course 1 and Course 2. The topics covered during Course 1 and Course 2 are basically the same but as there are many levels of explanations to the Buddha’s teaching, the understanding of Buddhism will deepen when presented by a different speaker from a different point of view. The explanation given during both courses are based on Tan Ajahn Buddhadasa’s interpretation of Buddhism, said to be close to the Buddha’s original teachings.

The 3-day retreat links modern notions of psychology to Buddhism. Subjects such as homeostatic balance, feelings, emotions, narrative network and mind modular approach are central to the retreat. These topics will be addressed from a Buddhist point of view.
This course helps to integrate meditation practice in everyday life; it aims at diminishing the distinction between formal meditation and everyday life. The level of meditation is irrelevant to this 3-day course. It targets beginners as well as advanced meditators. It is not meant to be a refresher of Course 1 and 2, but could be an interesting preparation to Course 1.

During Course 1 and the 3-day course the meditation sessions last 30min for each sitting and walking meditation. These times are extended to 45min each in Course 2, allowing able participants to experience deeper levels of peacefulness of mind.
The meditation techniques presented in both courses are the same but again a different teacher may put emphasis on other details.

During the 3-day retreat participants will briefly practice concentration meditation in order to have a more open awareness type of meditation which is similar to a Vipassana approach.

If you are in doubt whether to choose Course 1 or Course 2:
Course 1 is designed for beginners. If you want to enroll in Course 2, you preferably have some previous meditation retreat experience already. If you cannot sit in any meditative posture for at least 30 minutes without having to change the posture, you should choose Course 1.

Please be sure to study the schedules below to understand what you are agreeing to before deciding to take part in the retreat.

DAILY SCHEDULE - Course 1 & 3-day course

04.30Wake up05.00Morning Reading05.15Sitting meditation05.45Yoga / Exercise07.00Sitting meditation07.30Breakfast & Chores / Free time09.30Dhamma talk10.30Walking or standing meditation11.00Sitting meditation11.30Lunch & chores / Free time14.00Meditation instruction & Sitting meditation15.00Walking or standing meditation15.30Sitting meditation16.00Walking or standing meditation16.30Chanting & Loving Kindness meditation17.30Tea / Free time19.00Sitting meditation19.30Group walking meditation20.00Sitting meditation20.30Bedtime21.00LIGHTS OUTNote for the 3-day course: Chanting at 16.30 will be replaced by answering written questions/ meditation.
The schedule for the morning of the 3rd day until lunch will be the same as given above.

DAILY SCHEDULE - Course 2

04.30Wake up05.00Morning Reading
Sitting meditation05.45Yoga / Exercise07.00Sitting meditation07.30Breakfast & Chores / Free time09.30Dhamma talk10.15Walking or standing meditation11.00Sitting meditation11.45Lunch & chores / Free time14.00Meditation instruction & Sitting meditation14.45Walking or standing meditation15.30Sitting meditation16.15Walking or standing meditation17.00Chanting & Loving Kindness meditation18.00Tea / Free time19.30Walking meditation20.15Sitting meditation21.00Bedtime21.30LIGHTS OUT

We ask that you follow the schedule fully. All scheduled activities are compulsory, i.e., you must attend them. We try best to stick to the same daily schedule throughout the retreat so it is easy for you to know where to go and what to do every day. Any changes will be announced and posted during the retreat. By participating in all the activities, you and the other participants build an atmosphere of mutual support.

The schedule is not easy for most people, but it is not too difficult either. Feedback from many retreats is what we based this schedules on – it works best for what we hope to do here. Sometimes you might feel like skipping a talk of a meditation session. Please do not! A little laziness can grow rapidly. Worse, to turn off the mind or escape from the practice is counter-productive for this period. If you become ill, of course, rest is needed. If your difficulty is mental, such as being restless or bored or worried, don't give up. Relax and notice your mind at moments like these - we can learn a great deal from such moments. If your difficulty persists, talk to one of the coordinators who may help you deal with your situation.