VIPASSANĀ RETREAT
BOWEN ISLAND, BC, CANADA
THIS RETREAT IS NOW FULL
Buddhism, considered one of the five great religions of the world, stands out amongst the five as the only atheistic and evolutionary religious path to salvation and emancipation from suffering.
Religion has become oft associated with Gods and devas, but the word ‘religion’, from the latin word ‘religare’ and its root ‘lig’, means to bind or unite. A religion, thus, is a system of practice and way of living that unites humankind with the highest thing and need not encompass heavenly realms and God-like beings. However, for the majority of the religions (creationist/theistic) of the world, this highest thing is the unification with an anthropomorphic God, and the teachings within them stem from revelations passed down from the God(s).
Yet, in the evolutionary religion of Buddhism there are no God-like beings and although deified over thousands of years, the Buddha was a human-being, just like you and I, that experienced suffering. If, however, one were to state that all religions must have a God or Gods, then we could, for arguments sake, state that the God of Buddhism is nature herself (Dhamma) and the intrinsic laws (dhammas) within nature that govern all of life upon this planet.
As the Buddha discovered through his direct and penetrating observation of his own embodiment, these endemic laws of nature (dhammas) also govern nature as expressed through the human mind and body. Through ardent dedication and patient endurance the Buddha saw clearly that suffering (dukkha) arose when the mind attempts to control and bend these natural laws according to its conditioned preferences. The result is the separation and concomitant isolation from the natural rhythm of nature and, in turn, life itself.
In this five-day meditation retreat held in noble silence at the beautiful Xenia Retreat Centre (Bowen Island, BC), practitioners will apply the ancient method of vipassanā meditation, cultivating insight into the true nature of all psychophysical phenomena, reawakening the innate state of mental and spiritual seclusion known as viveka and resulting in the systematic eradication of suffering (dukkha).
This meditation journey will integrate the practice of metta (loving-kindness) meditation with the traditional and potent vipassanā methodology of the revered Burmese master Mahāsi Sayadaw, as passed down to Whit over his 16 years of study and practice within the Buddhist tradition, including intensive monastic experiences in Mahāsi Sayadaw’s monastery in Rangoon, Burma.
Metta (loving-kindness) is often considered a prerequisite to vipassanā meditation, and through personal experience Whit holds it in high regard as a fundamental component of the path towards liberating insight.
“The great Burmese Master Mahasi Sayadaw's approach to vipassana meditation is very clear, very precise and ‘to the point,’ faithfully adhering to the method of the Buddha in his own successful search for Enlightenment. Whit Hornsberger's experiences of intensive monastic meditation in Burma, combined with his studies of Yoga and other forms of Eastern Spirituality, have given him a unique ability to communicate to Westerners a classical approach to vipassana meditation, one that is deeply rooted in the profound Burmese tradition.” - Lama Rodney Devenish
This retreat includes daily interviews with the teacher, Dhamma talks, daily yoga practice and intensive periods of sitting and walking meditation.
The retreat is offered by the teacher through the Buddhist practice of dāna (donation) or generosity.
We look forward to spending this transformative retreat with you in the inspiring surroundings of Bowen Island, British Columbia.
~ CLICK TO READ WHAT PREVIOUS RETREAT PRACTITIONERS ARE SAYING ABOUT WHIT'S RETREATS ~
- This retreat is limited to 25 practitioners -
ACCOMMODATION AND FOOD PRICES* (Based on double occupancy+ and all vegan/vegetarian meals (2 meals per day + snacks); 5% GST not included):
Cedar Cottage - SOLD OUT
Sleeps 3 (1 King bed, 2 x single beds)
Ensuite bathroom + shower
King Bed: $795 CAD + dāna (donation)
Single Bed: $775 CAD + dāna (donation)
Maple Cottage - SOLD OUT
Sleep 5 (1 Queen Bed, 4 x single beds)
Ensuite bathroom (2 sinks) + shower & bathtub
$775 CAD + dāna (donation)**
$755 CAD + dāna (donation)
Oma Cottage - SOLD OUT
Sleeps 2 (1 Queen Bed)
Ensuite bathroom + shower
Preference will be given to couples
$825 CAD (per person) + dāna (donation)
Luna Yurt - SOLD OUT
Sleeps 3 (3 single beds)
Shared Bathroom
$725 CAD + dāna (donation)
Garden Cottage - SOLD OUT
Sleeps 3 (3 single beds)
Shared Bathroom
$745 CAD + dāna (donation)
Creekside Cottage - SOLD OUT
Sleeps 2 (1 Queen Bed)
Shared Bathroom
Preference will be given to couples
$775 CAD (per person) + dāna (donation)
Lodge Private Room / Bed - SOLD OUT
Sleeps 3 (2 single beds in separate rooms & 1 single bed with privacy screen)
Shared Bathroom
$825 CAD + dāna (donation) (private room)
$725 CAD + dāna (donation) (single bed with privacy screen)
Sitka Cottage - SOLD OUT
Sleeps 2-3 (Queen Bed + Pullout Single)
Ensuite Bathroom, Kitchen, Living Room, Deck
Queen Bed: $825 CAD (per person) + dāna (donation)
Pullout Single: $805 CAD + dāna (donation)
Camping - SOLD OUT
3 Spots Available
Bring your own tent and camping gear
$485 CAD + dāna (donation)
** PAYMENT IS FOR ACCOMMODATION AND FOOD ONLY. THE RETREAT IS OFFERED BY THE TEACHER VIA THE PRACTICE OF DĀNA
* Please bring your own yoga mat and meditation props (cushion / zafu, bench etc.)
**IMPORTANT**: This retreat is offered by the teacher by way of the traditional Buddhist practice of dāna (generosity). The price shown covers accommodation and meals (vegan/vegetarian) only.
It is important that each practitioner understands that the teacher receives no payment for this retreat aside from the donation that is offered by the students.
At the culmination of the retreat each practitioner will be required to practice dāna/generosity, making a donation to the teacher. Please make sure that you have read the dāna page and understand this practice before applying for the retreat. If you have any questions about the practice of dāna, please let us know.
We thank you, in advance, for your generous support to allow Whit to continue sharing the teachings of the Buddha in the way they have been passed down for 2600 years.
***A 50% non-refundable deposit is required upon registration. Full balance due by June 1st, 2026.
***Three weeks prior to the retreat start (June 24th), all payments are non-refundable.
REGISTRATION FORM