Time: November 19th 6 pm to November 22nd, 3pm, 2026
Where: Metta Meditation Center, Janesville MN
One of the deepest sources of human suffering comes from our tendency to grasp and cling—to outcomes, relationships, expectations, and even our own identities. This profound retreat explores the Buddhist art of mental liberation through the Seven Factors of Awakening (Saptabojjangha), offering teachings and practices that reveal how cultivating these awakening factors leads not to confusion, but to ultimate clarity, freedom, and peace. Drawing on ancient wisdom teachings of mindfulness, investigation, and the liberation found in balanced awareness, participants will discover how developing these seven factors becomes a doorway to deeper joy, authentic wisdom, and genuine spiritual freedom.
Through guided meditations focusing on the Seven Factors of Awakening, mindful observation of mental patterns, and cultivating equanimity in the face of change, you will learn to distinguish between reactive consciousness and awakened awareness. This retreat emphasizes the Buddhist understanding that ignorance and mental reactivity are the root of suffering—not because we shouldn't think or feel, but because our unconscious patterns create unnecessary pain. By exploring teachings on the systematic development of awakening factors, the nature of insight, and the peace found in clear seeing, participants will develop the wisdom to navigate life with awakened awareness while engaging fully with compassion.
Join us to discover how the practice of cultivating the Seven Factors of Awakening can transform your relationship with life itself, bringing freedom, peace, and an open heart that can love with wisdom.
Highlights:
Guided Meditation: Throughout the retreat, you'll engage in daily guided meditation sessions specifically designed for cultivating the Seven Factors of Awakening, led by experienced meditation instructors. These sessions will help you develop each awakening factor systematically, enhance your ability to recognize enlightened states, and discover the profound peace that comes from awakened awareness.
Dharma Talks: Learn from seasoned Buddhist teachers as they share deep insights on the Seven Factors of Awakening, including teachings on mindfulness (sati), investigation of phenomena (dhammavicaya), energy (viriya), joy (piti), tranquility (passaddhi), concentration (samadhi), and equanimity (upekkha). Gain profound understanding of how these factors work together to lead to genuine liberation.
Mindful Activities: Explore awakening practices through various activities, such as mindful walking focused on the awakening factors, contemplative observation of arising insights, and exercises in balanced awareness. These practical experiences will help you integrate the Seven Factors of Awakening into your daily life and spiritual practice.
Silent Contemplation: Embrace the power of silence as you partake in periods of silent contemplation focused on cultivating the awakening factors. Silence provides a space for deep insight, recognition of enlightened states, and the profound peace that emerges when consciousness awakens to its true nature.
Noble Silence: Experience the profound practice of Noble Silence during specific segments of the retreat, creating space to let go of external distractions and mental commentary, allowing you to rest in the natural state of awakened awareness and presence.
Mindful Movement (Yoga or Tai Chi): Complement your meditation practice with gentle yoga and mindful movement sessions that embody the principles of the awakening factors. These practices promote physical and emotional balance while cultivating the embodied wisdom of awakened consciousness.
Liberation Through Insight: Discover the ultimate freedom as you delve into meditation practices for developing the Seven Factors of Awakening and embracing enlightened understanding. Learn to observe your mental patterns, reactive tendencies, and unconscious habits with compassionate awareness, leading to the profound liberation that comes from awakened insight.
Vegan Meals: Savor nourishing and delicious vegetarian meals eaten with awareness of the awakening factors and gratitude, practicing mindful consumption while appreciating the gift of each nourishing moment.
Community and Support: Connect with fellow practitioners exploring the Seven Factors of Awakening. Share experiences and insights within a supportive sangha that understands the challenges and profound rewards of cultivating awakened awareness.
Breathtaking Natural Setting: Immerse yourself in the ever-changing natural surroundings of our retreat center, where nature itself teaches the wisdom of the awakening factors, providing the perfect environment for learning liberation through the Buddha's systematic approach to enlightenment.
Teacher: Bhante Sathi has been practicing meditation for more than 35 years and teaching for 25 years. Sathi has traveled throughout the United States and Europe leading meditation retreats and workshops. Sathi is the founder and leading teacher at the Metta Meditation Center and author of "The Mind Workout," bringing profound wisdom and gentle guidance to the sacred practice of cultivating the Seven Factors of Awakening and the freedom found in awakened consciousness.
Retreat Format: In-person only
Register before: November 1st, 2026
Fee Details:
- General Fee: $450 (includes food and lodging)
- Discounted Rate: $400 for sponsors of the Triple Gem
- Sponsors: Individuals who contribute monthly donations of $100 or more
- Private Room Option: Add $60 for a private room
Dāna (Pali, Generosity): A customary practice at the end of a retreat is to consider the Buddhist practice of Dana, which includes making an additional financial donation. Your generous contribution enables us to continue sharing the teachings (one donation to the Teacher) and another donation to support the programs and operations of Triple Gem of the North and the Metta Meditation Center. Thank you for your kindness and support! Your generosity truly makes a difference.
We use the Zeffy platform to collect donations and card payments. When you reach the payment page, Zeffy will invite you to add a percentage to support their service. The default amount is 11%, but you are free to change it, including setting it to 0% if you wish.
Make payment and register here
Food: Vegan breakfast, lunch, and Dinner will be provided.
Accommodation:
The retreat will take place at the serene Metta Meditation Center. Your room assignment will be provided upon registration. While the accommodations are not luxurious, they are comfortable and well-suited for the retreat’s purpose. Each participant will have their own room, offering privacy and convenience. The center also provides a beautiful view of the lake, and the meditation hall is both quiet and spacious. Bedrooms are easily accessible. If you have any specific requests or preferences, please let us know in advance.
Attendance: Retreat participants are asked and strongly encouraged to start and end the retreat with the entire group. Any exceptions to this are only made by the teacher with special permission granted.
Clothing and Other Details: Clothing worn during the retreat should cover the entire body (for example long pants are preferred over shorts). Short-sleeved shirts are acceptable though sleeveless shirts should be avoided. Clothing should be comfortable. Also, heavily scented perfumes/products should be avoided. There are members of the community who are sensitive to certain scents.
Retreat Itinerary
Thursday Night Schedule
- 05:00 PM – 06:00 PM: Check-in
- 06:00 PM – 07:00 PM: Opening night - Welcome & Introduction
- 07:00 PM – 07:45 PM: Sitting Meditation
- 08:00 PM – 09:00 PM: Guided discussion
Friday & Saturday Schedule
- 06:00 AM – 07:00 AM: Mindful movements
- 07:00 AM – 08:00 AM: Meal and independent practice
- 08:30 AM – 10:00 AM: Morning teachings
- 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM: Walking and sitting practice
- 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Mindful moments
- 12:00 PM – 02:00 PM: Lunch and independent practice
- 02:00 PM – 03:00 PM: Q&A
- 03:30 PM – 04:30 PM: Group sitting
- 04:30 PM – 05:30 PM: Mindful motion with Yoga or Qigong
- 06:00 PM – 07:00 PM: Dinner
- 07:00 PM – 09:00 PM: Guided discussion
Sunday Closing Day
- 06:00 AM – 07:00 AM: Mindful movements
- 07:00 AM – 08:00 AM: Meal and independent practice
- 08:30 AM – 10:00 AM: Morning teachings
- 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM: Walking and sitting practice
- 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Mindful moments
- 12:00 PM – 01:00 PM: Lunch and independent practice
- 01:00 PM – 02:00 PM: Cleaning
- 02:00 PM – 03:00 PM: Closing practice
Logistics
- Location: Google Maps has been known to take our guests to the main house rather than the center. When you arrive, you’ll pull onto a gravel road on the highway; simply keep driving until you see a large yellow building on your left-hand side next to a large white cross. That is where the Center is.
- Accommodations: The registration fee is inclusive of a room and meals. Rooms are dorm-style with shared bathrooms.
- Clothing: Try to bring comfortable clothing as you will be spending a lot of time conducting various types of meditation and mindfulness practices.
- Toiletries: Try to avoid bringing heavily scented items as some individuals are sensitive to such products.
- Food: We provide food for you. If you need to bring your own food for whatever reason, we encourage you to put your name on the food and place it in the fridge located on the main floor. We can show you where that is when you check-in.
- Towels and sheets: Please keep in mind that we do not provide linens for your stay as we only have a few extras. We recommend bringing a set of twin sheets and some towels. If you forget these items, we can help you out by letting you borrow some of our extras.
Make payment and register here