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Online One-Day Intensive Retreat: Shamatha (Level 1)
About Shamatha
Shamatha is the practice of developing a single-pointed concentration in order to find a calm, clear and focused mind. This practice nurtures a state of mind that is simultaneously supple, relaxed, and alert, offering us a much-needed respite from daily life. Through shamatha practice, we let go of physical and mental stress, fostering mental and emotional balance. This process is not just about temporary relaxation; it is a journey towards cultivating a deep, enduring sense of tranquillity and clarity within ourselves.
The ultimate purpose of shamatha meditation however is to achieve shamatha itself – a state of samadhi, or meditative concentration – where one is able to focus unwaveringly on a single object without distraction or tiredness. The Buddha strongly emphasised the importance of achieving shamatha in order to achieve personal liberation. Shamatha is, therefore, an indispensable practice for those seeking awakening.
This retreat is primarily a practice retreat rather than a teaching retreat. To learn more about shamatha, consider joining our Study Group happening on Tuesday evenings.
About this Retreat
This intensive one-day practice retreat will give you the opportunity to dedicate yourself to a day of practice with the guidance of a teacher and the supportive environment of friends. All retreat is meaningful, no matter the duration, and offers us a chance to achieve a continuity and depth that daily practice doesn’t always offer.
The retreat takes place from 8am to 8pm, with four structured group practice sessions together. The first of these will begin with an introductory talk, and the last will finish with a closing discussion and opportunity for questions. Each session will contain practice instructions for that particular method and two back-to-back meditations. The first meditation in each session will be guided and the second will be silent, enabling us to be confident in the practice we’re doing but to then go deeper and gain experience without interruption. There are schedule and personal practice suggestions for the times in between, but you can structure your day to suit you. Further information about the schedule can be seen further down the page.
This retreat is suitable for both beginners and experienced meditators. The difference between ‘Level 1’ and ‘Level 2’ refers only to the meditation techniques used. In Level 1 we practice primarily mindfulness of breathing, in Level 2 we venture into more subtle practices such as settling the mind in its natural state and awareness of awareness. Each method is equally as beneficial as the next but suits different psyches and constitutions.
Although this retreat happens at home, I would encourage you to really take this opportunity to engage with this as a strict retreat, and to the best of your ability, arrange your day accordingly.
Guidelines for At-Home Retreat
Dedicate time to the practice, away from diversions and interruptions, and maintain inner and outer silence as much as possible. When you must interact with others, try to keep your talk and activity purposeful and meaningful. The ability to rest in silence is a rare opportunity in today’s world, but one which can bring many benefits, promoting a quieter mind and body and leading to a deeper meditation practice. Between sessions, keep a mindful presence – mindful walking, mindful eating, and coming to terms with what it means to be aware. Further guidelines will be provided in the Digital Retreat Guide (PDF) sent out prior to the retreat.
What’s Included:
- Live Guided Meditation Sessions: Instructor-led sessions focusing on different aspects of mindfulness of breathing.
- Digital Retreat Guide: A downloadable PDF containing all the necessary information and tips for participating in the retreat.
- Access to Recorded Sessions: Recordings of all live sessions so you can repeat the sessions or retreat as you wish.
- Introductory Talks and Teachings Teachings on the theory and practice of shamatha and the practice methods.
- Q&A & Discussion: Opportunities to share, ask questions and receive personalised guidance.
- Dedicated Support: Email or WhatsApp support for any technical or practice-related queries during the retreat.
- Flexible Schedule: We provide suggested practices for the time between group sessions but you can schedule your day to suit you.
About the Retreat Leader
Our Retreat is led by David Oromith. David is a Buddhist contemplative, meditation guide and retreat leader. He is the Co-Founder of Samadhi and author of the book A Practical Guide to Mindful Living. He has received non-monastic ordination in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition and teaches workshops internationally, leads retreats across the UK and runs classes locally.
David is a follower of the rimé (non-sectarian) approach, recognising the value and benefit of multiple points-of-view, with teachers in all four schools of Tibetan Buddhism. His primary teacher is Lama Alan Wallace, who is also rooted in a non-sectarian approach, with particular close affiliation with the Gelug and Nyingma schools and the Dudjom lineage.
Booking & Donations
Option 1 – Donate £45
Option 2 – Donate £25
Option 3 – Donation of your choosing (options at checkout)
Free for Samadhi Supporters
All proceeds go towards the development of future programs and our vision for The Samadhi Retreat Centre.
If you’re unable to commit to the whole day, but would like to drop into some sessions or use the recordings at a later date, this is possible too. Please register as normal to receive the links and recordings.
Hourly Schedule
Retreat Day
- 8.00am - 9.30am
- Session 1 - Group Practice
- Introduction & Settling Body, Speech & Mind in their Natural States
- 9.30am - 10.00am
- Break
- Offline
- 10.00am - 11.00am
- Session 2 - Personal Practice
- Offline (Suggestions & Guidance given)
- 11.00am - 12.00pm
- Session 3 - Group Practice
- Mindfulness of Breathing - Whole Body
- 12.00pm - 1.00pm
- Lunch
- Offline
- 1.00pm - 3.00pm
- Session 4 - Personal Practice & Rest Period
- Offline (Suggestions & Guidance given)
- 3.00pm - 4.00pm
- Session 5 - Group Practice
- Mindfulness of Breathing - Abdomen
- 4.00pm - 4.30pm
- Break
- Offline
- 4.30pm - 5.30pm
- Session 6 - Personal Practice
- Offline (Suggestions & Guidance given)
- 5.30pm - 6.30pm
- Dinner
- Offline
- 6.30pm - 8.00pm
- Session 7 - Group Practice
- Mindfulness of Breathing - Nostrils & Closing Discussion
If you would like to support our vision of making these teachings as accessible as possible, please consider making a donation, supporting future groups, events & retreats. Interested to know why we charge for this event and what happens to profits? Read here.
Organiser
Speakers
Speaker
- David OromithBuddhist Contemplative, Author and Meditation Guide
David is a Buddhist contemplative, author, meditation guide and retreat leader. He is the Co-Founder of Samadhi, an organisation based in the UK and a member of the UK’s Network of Buddhist Organisations. He teaches workshops internationally and online and leads retreats across the UK. Through his clear and practical teaching style and warm and humorous approach, David inspires people to take back control of their thoughts and feelings and discover genuine wellbeing within.