LOVING-KINDNESS & TRANQUILITY MEDITATION RETREAT

BOWEN ISLAND, BC, CANADA

REGISTRATION OPENS AUGUST 17th

The ancient liberation (soteriological) tradition of Buddhism expounds that emancipation (vimutti) from suffering (dukkha) is not only possible, but is the original nature of our human heart-minds. A birthright received via the wisdom (paññā) borne of insight (vipassanā).

It is thus upon the practice of insight meditation (satipaṭṭhāna vipassanā) that liberation can be and will be tasted.

Yet, in the interdependent existence in which all phenomena arise, exist and cease, where nothing and no thing is a standalone quality, the very insight (vipassanā) necessary for liberation (vimutti) is itself dependent upon the mental-factor (cetasika) of mindfulness (sati). And mindfulness itself is in turn dependent upon the development of the active ingredients known as the Four Immeasurables (brahmavihāras: mettā, karunā, muditā, upekkhā) and the platform of calm-abiding / serenity / tranquility (samatha).

With the inspiring popularity of vipassanā meditation growing in the Western world, unfortunately what has been left behind by the impatient mind that wants liberation from suffering immediately, are the very foundational practices that enable for the arising of mindfulness (sati), the basis for the arising of insight (vipassanā) and concomitant wisdom (paññā).

From the perspective of this ancient tradition, and corroborated by any practitioner that has walked the path with sincerity over their lifetime, vipassanā and in turn liberation (vimutti) is simply not possible without dedicating oneself to the prerequisite practices of the four immeasurables (mettā, karunā, muditā, upekkhā) and the cultivation of tranquility (samatha).

In this five-day meditation retreat held in noble silence at the beautiful Xenia Retreat Centre (Bowen Island, BC), practitioners will apply these imperative ancient methods of mettā (loving-kindness), karunā (compassion), muditā (appreciative joy), upekkhā ( equanimity) and samatha (tranquility / serenity) meditation. The vital pre-requisites and foundational practices for the arising of liberating insight (vipassanā) via the practice of insight meditation (satipaṭṭhāna vipassanā).

This retreat is a must for any practitioner serious about developing liberating insight (vipassanā) and walking the path of Dhamma with efficiency, ease and joy.

This retreat will entail the practices and theory of the Four Immeasurables and samatha meditation and how they integrate into vipassanā practice, as passed down to Whit over his 20 years of study and practice within the Buddhist tradition, including intensive monastic experiences in the revered monastery of Mahāsi Sayadaw in Rangoon, Burma.

Mettā (loving-kindness) and samatha (tranquility) are considered vital prerequisites to vipassanā meditation, and through personal experience Whit holds them in high regard as fundamental components of the path towards liberating insight. This retreat is highly recommended for all practitioners of vipassanā.

“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 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 ~

~ LEARN ABOUT CANADIAN TEACHER WHIT HORNSBERGER ~

- This retreat is limited to 25 practitioners -

ACCOMMODATION AND FOOD PRICES* (Based on shared occupancy and all vegan/vegetarian meals (2 meals per day + snacks); 5% GST not included):

• Cedar Cottage

  • 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

  • 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

  • Sleeps 2 (1 Queen Bed)

  • Ensuite bathroom + shower

  • Preference will be given to couples

  • $825 CAD (per person) + dāna (donation)

• Luna Yurt

  • Sleeps 3 (3 single beds)

  • Shared Bathroom

  • $725 CAD + dāna (donation)

• Garden Cottage

  • Sleeps 3 (3 single beds)

  • Shared Bathroom

  • $745 CAD + dāna (donation)

• Creekside Cottage

  • Sleeps 2 (1 Queen Bed)

  • Shared Bathroom

  • Preference will be given to couples

  • $775 CAD (per person) + dāna (donation)

• Lodge Private Room / Bed

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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 November 23rd, 2026.

***Four weeks prior to the retreat start (December 3rd), all payments are non-refundable.

APPLICATION FORM