AWAKEN
VIPASSANĀ RETREAT
VANCOUVER ISLAND, CANADA
The soteriological path laid down by the Buddha over 2600 years ago is a contemplative journey into the nature of the mind and body, designed for the purpose of eradicating suffering (dukkha) from human life.
Buddhism expounds that our human suffering arises as a result of wrong knowledge or ignorance (avijja), of not seeing clearly the ultimate reality of our embodied existence. The term Buddha itself, derived from the Pāli word ‘bodhi ’ and its root ‘budh’, means to awaken. To be ‘buddha’ means to rouse the mind from its conditioned sleep (avijja), awakening it to the fundamental truths and laws of nature.
In this five-day meditation retreat held in noble silence, at the beautiful Earthspring Sanctuary retreat centre on Vancouver Island, practitioners will apply the ancient method of vipassanā meditation, cultivating insight into the true nature of all psychophysical phenomena, awakening the mind and releasing it from its conditioning and concomitant suffering.
This retreat will integrate mettā (loving-kindness) and mudīta (appreciative joy/gratitude) 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 at Mahāsi Sayadaw’s monastery in Rangoon, Burma.
Metta (loving-kindness) is often considered a prerequisite to vipassanā meditation, and through personal experience Whit holds both it and mudīta meditation in high regard, as fundamental components of the path towards liberating insight.
“The great Burmese Master Mahasi Sayadaw’s approach to 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 meditation, one that is deeply rooted in the profound Burmese tradition.”
This retreat includes daily yoga practice, daily interviews with the teacher, Dhamma talks and intensive periods of sitting and walking meditation.
The retreat is offered by the teacher through the Buddhist practice of dāna (donation) or generosity. 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 look forward to spending this transformative week with you in the inspiring temperate rainforest of southern Vancouver Island.
- This retreat is limited to 16 practitioners -
THIS RETREAT IS NOW FULL • JOIN WAITING LIST BELOW
PRICES* (Includes all vegan/vegetarian meals):
Private Room (Queen Bed) with ensuite bathroom:
$695 CND* / person + Dāna (Donation)**
Shared Room (Queen Bed) with ensuite bathroom:
$515 CND* / person + Dāna (Donation)**
Shared Room (Two Twin Beds) with ensuite bathroom:
$595 CND* / person + Dāna (Donation)**
Shared Cabin (1 Queen & 1 Twin Pullout) with shared bathroom:
$595 CND* / person + Dāna (Donation)**
Shared Dorm (Single Bed) with shared bathroom:
$545 CND* / person + Dāna (Donation)**
* 5% tax not included
BYOP (Bring your own props): For this retreat we kindly ask you to bring your own meditation set-up/props and a yoga mat. eg: zafu (sitting cushion), blankets, pillows. (chairs will also be provided for sitting practice).
**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 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 January 15th, 2022.
***In the event that this retreat is postponed due to a complete Covid-19 ban, a full refund will be issued minus $50 CND.