May I stay for a period of time shorter than the advertised course length?
In most cases, it is possible to stay for a shorter length of time depending upon space available. Contact the retreat organizers for the course you are interested in to confirm.
I like to do yoga (or other practices) may I continue practicing during the retreat?
The reason we do not allow yoga or other practices during the retreat is because we would like you to experience the benefits of Vipassana meditation on its own, and because when you mix practices, it is difficult for the teacher to monitor your progress and make recommendations accordingly.
What do I need to bring?
You should bring a sitting mat and cushion and some sort of counting down timing device that beeps to let you know when a certain amount of time has passed (e.g. 15 mins, 30 mins, etc). You will also want to bring comfortable white or light coloured clothing (e.g. jogging pants, t-shirts, sweaters, etc) sleeping mat, sleeping bag, pillow, towel and toiletries.
Do I need to be a Buddhist to come?
No. Many meditators are not Buddhists, but highly benefit from the teachings of the Buddha.
I have never practiced meditation before; will the retreat be too much for me?
This retreat is intended for beginners to take part. For many people, this will be their first exposure to meditation practice. Your teacher will adjust the retreat according to your level of comfort. If you have any concerns during the retreat, each student meets with the teacher daily, when they may ask all questions and voice concerns.
Is talking permitted during the retreat?
During the retreat, we will be observing "Noble Silence." This means that talking is permitted but it should be restricted to useful speech, i.e., speech associated with necessities of circumstance (e.g. when organizing meals or for other logistical reasons) and when discussing your practice with the meditation teacher. You may also engage in limited pleasantries such as "good morning", etc.
In most cases, it is possible to stay for a shorter length of time depending upon space available. Contact the retreat organizers for the course you are interested in to confirm.
I like to do yoga (or other practices) may I continue practicing during the retreat?
The reason we do not allow yoga or other practices during the retreat is because we would like you to experience the benefits of Vipassana meditation on its own, and because when you mix practices, it is difficult for the teacher to monitor your progress and make recommendations accordingly.
What do I need to bring?
You should bring a sitting mat and cushion and some sort of counting down timing device that beeps to let you know when a certain amount of time has passed (e.g. 15 mins, 30 mins, etc). You will also want to bring comfortable white or light coloured clothing (e.g. jogging pants, t-shirts, sweaters, etc) sleeping mat, sleeping bag, pillow, towel and toiletries.
Do I need to be a Buddhist to come?
No. Many meditators are not Buddhists, but highly benefit from the teachings of the Buddha.
I have never practiced meditation before; will the retreat be too much for me?
This retreat is intended for beginners to take part. For many people, this will be their first exposure to meditation practice. Your teacher will adjust the retreat according to your level of comfort. If you have any concerns during the retreat, each student meets with the teacher daily, when they may ask all questions and voice concerns.
Is talking permitted during the retreat?
During the retreat, we will be observing "Noble Silence." This means that talking is permitted but it should be restricted to useful speech, i.e., speech associated with necessities of circumstance (e.g. when organizing meals or for other logistical reasons) and when discussing your practice with the meditation teacher. You may also engage in limited pleasantries such as "good morning", etc.
