Dates: Tuesday, December 20td, 3:00 PM to Sunday, December 27th, 1:00 PM
Where: The Metta Meditation Center, Janesville MN
Description:
A seven-day Vipassana Retreat offers an immersive experience of the ancient practice of mindfulness and insight meditation. Vipassana, meaning "to see things as they really are" helps participants cultivate a deep awareness of the present moment. The retreat is structured around noble silence, where attendees refrain from speaking and other distractions, allowing space for profound inner exploration. Each day typically includes guided meditation sessions, silent sitting, walking meditation, Dharma talks, and mindful eating practices.
Participants are guided by experienced teachers who offer instructions on observing the breath and bodily sensations without attachment. This process helps to purify the mind of mental defilements, reduce stress, and develop compassion, equanimity, and wisdom. While challenging, the retreat provides a transformative opportunity to disengage from the busyness of daily life and reconnect with inner peace, clarity, and deeper understanding. Suitable for both beginners and seasoned practitioners, it is a life-enhancing journey of self-discovery.
Key Aspects of the Residential Retreat:
- Vipassana Meditation: Dive deep into the ancient art of Vipassana meditation, a practice that invites you to observe the true nature of your mind and emotions. This technique can lead to profound insights, mental clarity, and inner tranquility.
- Guided Meditation: Benefit from the guidance of experienced meditation instructors who will lead you through Vipassana meditation sessions. Their expertise will help you refine your practice and deepen your insights.
- Practical Mindfulness: Discover how to integrate mindfulness into your everyday life. Learn to bring heightened awareness to daily activities such as walking, eating, and communication, enabling you to live more mindfully.
- Noble Silence: Embrace the practice of Noble Silence, a powerful tool for self-reflection and heightened self-awareness. By reducing external distractions, you can connect with your inner world on a profound level.
- Nutritious Vegetarian Cuisine: Nourish your body and spirit with wholesome and delicious vegetarian meals. This dietary choice complements your meditation practice and supports your overall well-being.
- Supportive Community: Forge connections with a like-minded community of fellow retreatants. Share your experiences, insights, and challenges, and find encouragement on your path of self-discovery.
- Scenic Residential Setting: The retreat unfolds in a serene and picturesque residential environment. The tranquil surroundings provide an ideal backdrop for deepening your meditation practice and fostering a deeper connection with nature.
Join Us:
This End-of-Year Vipassana Retreat is your opportunity to close the year with a profound journey within. Take a break from the demands of daily life and explore the depths of your consciousness. Discover inner peace, wisdom, and the tranquility that resides within you.
Reserve your spot today and start the new year with a renewed sense of purpose, mindfulness, and self-awareness. The End-of-Year Vipassana Retreat promises a transformative experience that can guide you towards a more centered and harmonious life.
Teacher: Bhante Sathi, Sathi has been practicing meditation for more than 35 years and teaching for 25 years. Sathi has traveled all over the United States and Europe to lead meditation retreats and workshops. Sathi is the founder and leading teacher at the Metta Meditation Center.
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: $800 (includes food and lodging).
- Discounted Rate: $750 for sponsors of the Triplegem.
- Sponsors: Individuals who contribute monthly donations of $100 or more.
- Private Room Option: Add $140 total 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.
Dāna (Pali, Generosity): Please note that the retreat fee covers the Center’s expenses of hosting participants. It is customary to make additional donations for the teacher and meals.
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
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 includes 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 and 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.
Click here to register and complete your payment
Retreat Itinerary
Sunday (Arrival Day)
- 03:00 PM - 04:00 PM: Check-in
- 04:00 PM – 06:00 PM: Teaching
- 06:00 PM – 07:00 PM: Dinner
- 07:00 PM – 09:00 PM: Group Practice
Monday to Saturday (Daily Schedule)
- 06:00 AM – 07:00 AM: Mindful movements
- 07:00 AM – 08:00 AM: Breakfast
- 08:30 AM – 11:30 AM: Morning Practice
- 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Mindful moments
- 12:00 PM – 02:00 PM: Lunch and independent practice
- 02:00 PM – 03:30 PM: Q&A
- 03:30 PM – 05:00 PM: Group sitting
- 05:00 PM – 06:00 PM: Mindful motion with Yoga or Qigong
- 06:00 PM – 07:00 PM: Dinner
- 07:00 PM – 08:30 PM: Guided discussion
- 08:30 PM – 09:00 PM: Sitting Practice
Closing Day (Sunday)
- 06:00 AM – 07:00 AM: Mindful movements
- 07:00 AM – 08:00 AM: Meal and Independent Practice
- 08:30 AM – 10:00 AM: Practice
- 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM: Closing
- 11:30 AM: Lunch and Cleaning
