Harmonious Cultivation: A Buddhist Meditation Retreat with Amarasiri Bhikkhu (Tisarana Buddhist Monastery)

Harmonious Cultivation: A Buddhist Meditation Retreat
with Amarasiri Bhikkhu (Tisarana Buddhist Monastery)
This retreat offers opportunities to delve into the transformative practices of Buddhist meditation, fostering inner peace, clarity, and compassionate connection. Titled "Harmonious Cultivation," this program emphasises the balanced development of mindfulness, wisdom, and wholesome qualities, guiding participants towards a more integrated and fulfilling way of being.

Through a structured yet flexible schedule, we will explore various meditation techniques drawn from the rich traditions of early Buddhism and the Thai Forest Tradition, including:

Connecting with Breath (Anapanasati): Cultivating present moment awareness through focused attention on the natural rhythm of the breath, leading to stillness and concentration.

Four postures of Meditation: Integrating mindfulness into movement as well as stillness, promoting embodied awareness and a deeper connection to the present moment.

Exploring boundlessness (Brahmavihara): Developing boundless love, compassion, empathetic joy, and equanimity towards oneself and all beings.

"Poo Roo, the one who knows" (Luang Pu Chah): Choiceless awareness and the liberating characteristic of not-self.

"It's like this & it all belongs" (Ajahn Sumedho): Observing the arising and passing away of mental and physical phenomena with wisdom and equanimity, leading to deeper understanding and liberation.

"Foreground & Background" (Ajahn Viradhammo): Bringing mindful awareness to different stimuli and understanding our habitual reactions to them, fostering relaxation and a greater sense of being-ness.

Beyond formal sitting and walking practices, the retreat will incorporate:

Dhamma Talks: Engaging discussions and teachings on core Buddhist principles, offering guidance and inspiration for practice and daily life.

Guided Meditations: Expert guidance to support your practice and deepen your experience.

Opportunities for Q&A: A supportive environment to explore questions and encourage personalised insights.

Mindful Living: Living with commitment and dedication to precepts, Sila as a way of life vis-vis a list of rules and observances.

Noble Silence: Periods of silence will be observed to foster inner stillness, reduce external distractions, and deepen the meditative experience.

"Harmonious Cultivation" is designed for both beginners curious about Buddhist meditation and experienced practitioners seeking to deepen their practice. This retreat provides a tranquil and supportive environment for cultivating inner harmony, clarity, and compassion, ultimately leading to a more awakened and peaceful existence.