Tranquillity and Insight – Weekend Retreat
A Journey in Mindfulness to Soothe the Body, Heal the Mind, Restore Balance, and Cultivate Insight
Introduction
The Buddha’s greatest innovation was the unification of shamatha and vipashyana. Before this discovery, contemplative inquiry into the nature of reality had not been linked with samadhi (single-pointed concentration). The Buddha asserted that the fusion of shamatha with vipashyana is the key to liberation – an irreversible healing and purification of the mind. If the bad habits of mind are irreversibly overcome by severing the root of suffering, lasting freedom will be attained.
About this retreat
This in-depth weekend retreat will enable you to gain experience of both shamatha and vipashyana, the way the Buddha himself found freedom.
We will start with an introductory talk on Friday evening, followed by four retreat sessions on Saturday focussing on methods to develop this stable, clear, calm quality of mind (shamatha.) Then, on Sunday, we will engage in a further four retreat sessions on the Four Foundations of Mindfulness (vipashyana).
Each 1-hour session will consist of partly guided, partly silent sessions, enabling us to be confident in the practice we’re doing but to then go deeper and gain insight without interruption. Only through our own experience will we understand the subtle truths pointed out by these simple but profound techniques.
This retreat is suitable for both beginners and experienced meditators.
I would encourage you to really take this opportunity to engage with this as a retreat, and to the best of your ability, arrange your weekend accordingly. Guidelines for doing this are below.
Guidelines for engaging in retreat at home
It is not impossible to enjoy the benefits of retreat whilst in our usual home environment. While we may not have access to a beautiful secluded retreat location, to the best of your ability, create the most suitable environment for you. For this weekend retreat, I would encourage you to adopt a retreat mindset – carve out a virtual retreat space, let your loved ones know of your intentions, arrange a quiet weekend, and minimise your distractions.
Dedicate time to read books about dharma or meditation, and practice away from diversions and interruptions, and maintain your silence as much as possible. When you must interact with others, try to keep your talk and activity 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, engage in mindful movement – mindful walking, mindful eating, and coming to terms with what it means to spend time with your mind
What’s Included?
✔ 3-day online retreat with Buddhist Teacher, David Johnson
✔ Partly guided, partly silent meditation sessions, designed to help us deepen our practice.
✔ Introductory talks- exploring the theory behind shamatha and vipashyana.
✔ A chance to share and discuss with others
✔ Access to an exclusive Facebook Group for support and interaction with the Sangha.
What Are People Saying?
Prices & Booking
Pre-booking is essential.
Standard Rate is £45 for the full 3-day retreat. All proceeds go towards the development of future programs and our vision for The Samadhi Retreat Centre. Teachers do not receive any payment for leading group retreats at Samadhi.
Free for Samadhi Supporters.
If you’re unable to commit to the whole weekend but would like to participate in one day or drop in to any sessions, this is possible. Please contact us using the Messenger button on this website.
Hourly Schedule
Friday 19th March
- 7pm - 8.30pm
- Introductory Talk
Speakers:
David Oromith
Saturday 21st March
- 8am - 9am
- Session 1
- Mindfulness of Breathing - Whole Body
- 11am - 12pm
- Session 2
- Mindfulness of Breathing - Abdomen
- 3pm - 4pm
- Session 3
- Mindfulness of Breathing - Nostrils
- 6pm - 7pm
- Session 4
- Mindfulness of Breathing - Dzogchen approach
Sunday 20th March
- 8am - 9am
- Session 1
- Mindfulness of the Body
- 11am - 12pm
- Session 2
- Mindfulness of Feelings
- 3pm - 4pm
- Session 3
- Mindfulness of Mental Events
- 6pm - 7pm
- Session 4
- Mindfulness of Phenomena
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.
Speakers
Speaker
David OromithBuddhist Contemplative, Author and Meditation GuideDavid 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.
