The Winter Retreat

November 15, 2007 - February 15, 2008

The Winter Retreat is the equivalent to the traditional 3-month rainy season retreat, which is held in monasteries of various Buddhist traditions. It dates back to the time of the Buddha when the monks and nuns were traveling and teaching the Dharma in the different parts of India throughout the year. However, during the rainy season when traveling became difficult, they collected together as a community to learn and practice the Dharma and to share their way of life and their experience in the practice.

Today, the monastic members still continue this tradition of gathering together to practice for 3 months every year. We are happy to also receive lay friends who wish to attend this special retreat and share their practice and way of life with us during this period. We recommend a minimum stay of one week and if you really would like to deepen your practice you can apply to stay for the whole length of the retreat (3 months).

Just as in the time of the Buddha certain boundaries will be observed during this retreat (basically the monastery grounds) and we would like to ask your support in sharing this practice with us even if you only stay a short period of time or have your own car. Specifically, that means we should refrain from going into town or taking outings unless there is a special reason.

Our practice helps us weave mindfulness into all daily activities, not focusing just on sitting meditation in the meditation hall. This enables us to meditate throughout the day, while eating, walking, working, and enjoying a cup of tea together. Retreatants are invited to help in communal activities, such as preparing meals, general cleaning, washing dishes etc... as a way of continuing mindfulness practice while performing everyday tasks.