Retreat Information

Using tried and true practices in both the Theravada and Mahayana schools of Buddhism, we learn to enter and open the heart very deeply, cultivating compassion for ourselves and for others. Appropriate for all levels, beginners and advanced.

This is a traditional 5-day silent residential meditation retreat, which will include sitting and walking meditation periods during the day, with breaks for meals and 30 minutes of yoga practice (in the morning). After dinner, it will include a daily dharma talk.

Highlights:

Compassion has been a central pillar in all spiritual practices worldwide since mankind began spiritual quests. In this retreat we dive deep into the heart opening practices in both Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism which have inspired and continues to inspire the beautiful icons and images of Kuan Yin, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, worldwide. Participants of this retreat will learn how to draw inspiration from Kuan Yin, whose name means “to hear the cries of the universe”, to plum the depths of heartfelt, selfless compassion.

Retreat Instructors

Christopher Luard

Having witnessed the Sept 11th incident in New York City, Christopher has dedicated his life to the wisdom teachings of mindfulness with the intention of bringing about a new, more peaceful, loving and compassionate worldview.

Christopher has received formal training in Japanese Zen; Mahamudra, Dzochen from the Tibetan traditions, Vipassana and Vedanta from the Indian traditions, and Mindfulness and Shambhala from the relatively modern American traditions. He has attended numerous training retreats, taking on the life of a monk in monasteries in Nepal, California, and New York.

Yan Bodhini

Yan is a former UK doctor and radiologist, now yoga teacher, retreat facilitator and teacher trainer. 11 years in the medical field have endowed her with a deep knowledge of the form and function of the human body. She left the medical practice four years ago in search of more holistic ways of existing, healing, sharing and affecting the lives of others. She has been practicing yoga, various martial and internal arts, self inquiry, mindfulness and meditation for over 16 years and currently lives, breathes and shares this wonderful holistic practice where ever she goes. She truly believes that Yoga, practiced in its totality is medicine for the mind body and soul.

Retreat Program

Arrival and departure

• The program will begin on Monday, August 12, 2019 with check-in at 9:30am.

• At 2pm, there will be an introduction talk and then the retreat will enter Noble Silence.

• The retreat will end on Friday, before dinner, at 6:30pm.

Daily Schedule

06:00 – Wake-Up Bell

06:30 – Open Meditation Sitting

07:30 – Breakfast

08:30 – Retreat Morning Session

12:00 – Lunch

14:00 – Retreat Afternoon Session

18:00 – Dinner

19:30 – Dharma Talk

21:30 – Noble silence