A Buddhist Meditation Retreat on Non-Attachment and Freedom
Time: Thursday, September 24th 5pm to Sunday 27th, 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 letting go, offering teachings and practices that reveal how releasing attachment leads not to loss, but to the ultimate freedom and peace. Drawing on ancient wisdom teachings of non-attachment, impermanence, and the liberation found in surrender, participants will discover how letting go becomes a doorway to deeper joy, authentic love, and genuine spiritual freedom.
Through guided meditations focusing on release practices, mindful observation of attachment patterns, and cultivating equanimity in the face of change, you will learn to distinguish between healthy caring and unhealthy clinging. This retreat emphasizes the Buddhist understanding that attachment is the root of suffering—not because we shouldn't love or care, but because our grasping creates unnecessary pain. By exploring teachings on impermanence, the illusion of control, and the peace found in acceptance, participants will develop the wisdom to hold life lightly while loving deeply.
Join us to discover how the practice of letting go can transform your relationship with life itself, bringing freedom, peace, and an open heart that can love without conditions.
Highlights:
Guided Meditation: Throughout the retreat, you'll engage in daily guided meditation sessions specifically designed for cultivating non-attachment and release, led by experienced meditation instructors. These sessions will help you develop awareness of attachment patterns, enhance your ability to let go, and discover the profound peace that comes from non-clinging.
Dharma Talks: Learn from seasoned Buddhist teachers as they share deep insights on the wisdom of letting go, including teachings on the nature of attachment, the Four Noble Truths and the end of suffering, the practice of surrender, and the freedom found in non-attachment. Gain profound understanding of how releasing control leads to genuine liberation.
Mindful Activities: Explore letting-go practices through various activities, such as release meditation walks, mindful observation of arising and passing experiences, and exercises in accepting what is. These practical experiences will help you integrate the art of non-attachment into your daily life and relationships.
Silent Contemplation: Embrace the power of silence as you partake in periods of silent contemplation focused on surrender and acceptance. Silence provides a space for deep release, recognition of what you've been holding onto, and the profound peace that emerges when you stop struggling against reality.
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 non-attachment and presence.
Mindful Movement (Yoga or Tai Chi): Complement your meditation practice with gentle yoga and mindful movement sessions that embody the principle of flowing with life rather than resisting it. These practices promote physical and emotional release while cultivating the embodied wisdom of letting go.
Liberation Through Insight: Discover the ultimate freedom as you delve into meditation practices for releasing attachment and embracing impermanence. Learn to observe your grasping patterns, fear of loss, and need for control with compassionate awareness, leading to the profound liberation that comes from complete acceptance.
Vegan Meals: Savor nourishing and delicious vegetarian meals eaten with awareness of impermanence and gratitude, practicing the art of enjoying without grasping and appreciating the temporary gift of each nourishing moment.
Community and Support: Connect with fellow practitioners exploring the path of non-attachment and release. Share experiences and insights within a supportive sangha that understands the challenges and profound rewards of learning to let go.
Breathtaking Natural Setting: Immerse yourself in the ever-changing natural surroundings of our retreat center, where the seasons themselves teach the wisdom of letting go, providing the perfect environment for learning surrender from nature's own example.
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 letting go and the freedom found in non-attachment.
Retreat Format: In-person only
Limit: Space is limited to 25 participants. Secure your spot for this retreat by completing full registration.
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.
Click here to register and complete your payment
Food: Vegan breakfast and 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.
Click here to register and complete your payment
Retreat Itinerary
Thursday Night Schedule
- 05:00 PM – 06:00 PM: Check-in and light dinner
- 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 into 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.
