The purpose of the retreat is to direct attention inside. No previous meditation experience is necessary. The course takes place in silence and offline.
13.11.2023 - 26.11.2023
Meditation course with Katarina Biresova and Vaclav Smilauer(Vipassana)
Booking:
You may book the whole course or a part. Please also let Katarína and Václav know about your participation directly at: https://vipassana.sk/register
Program:
The course starts at the first day (Monday) with light dinner at 4pm and finishes on the last day (Sunday) with lunch. All participants must arrive on the first day no later than 3:30pm. Arrival at the centre is possible from 1:30pm. For more info click on: vipassana.sk
About the retreat:
No previous meditation experience is necessary. Although vipassana is a Buddhist contemplative method, it brings full benefit even without theoretical knowledge or subscription to Buddhism.Vipassana leads to an overall reduction in stress, a greater ability to cope with difficult feelings and thoughts, and helps one to respond appropriately. It brings not only a deeper understanding of oneself but also of others, thus improving interpersonal relationships.
The point of the course is to direct attention inward. One sleeps 6 hours a day, in addition to which all time is devoted to meditation with short breaks between walking and sitting meditation. The course takes place in silence and off-line. The management of the course is individual, everything that happens in the story of the day can be discussed with the teacher in a daily individual interview, teachers are available 24 hours a day if needed.
Practical information
DIET
A vegetarian meal is served twice a day (breakfast, lunch). You are advised to follow eight precepts. If you find it too difficult, you can follow five precepts and have a light dinner (soup). For those who are allergic to certain food ingredients, a gluten-free or lactose-free diet is available. Please inform us of your dietary preferences in your application. Special dietary requirements announced upon arrival will be hard to accommodate.
ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation is in the main building, with 3 participants per room. You can indicate your interest in solo accommodation when filling in the registration form. Should the capacity allow it, we will try to meet your preference.
KARMA YOGA
We offer an opportunity for voluntary help to the centre, approximately 15 to 30 min. per day. A selection of chores will be posted on the notice board from which you can choose one, for example: helping in the kitchen (cutting vegetables, putting dishes in the dishwasher, etc.), cleaning the common areas, cleaning the dining room, ringing the gong and other activities according to current needs. Working meditation is an important part of the practice during the retreat.
At the end of the course, before leaving, we ask everyone to clean their room and help with the common areas (halls, dining room, toilets, etc.). Information will be given to you on arrival. Noble silence and mindfulness are observed during karma yoga.
CONTRIBUTION
Full course: 449,- Euro
1st part : 3. – 9.4.2023: 224,- Euro
2nd part : 10 – 16.4.2023: 224,- Euro
Deposit: 50€
The contribution is payable locally in cash. An extra donation, i.e. a donation to the centre, can be made in cash, upon arrival at the centre. The contribution includes the costs associated with accommodation and meals.
According to Buddhist tradition, the Buddha's teachings cannot be expressed in money or material gifts. Dana to the Centre or teacher is an expression of the meditator's good will and financial standing. At the same time it is an opportunity to develop generosity as an inherent part of the practice.
Donations to support the meditation centre cover the running costs of the Centre and the travel expenses of teachers and his or her assistants. They do not include dána to the teacher. We would be grateful if you consider this and make a suitable donation to the teacher if it is in your power to do so.