Summer Dathün 2023 • Week I
Dive into the first week and discover your own mind. An invitation to befriend yourself.
The objective of the first week is to develop a basic confidence in our meditation practice and the natural vibrancy of our mind. All we do during the day—sitting practice, taking walks, both exchanging with others and being in silence—is all part of a continuous practice of mindfulness and awareness. Inspired by the teachings of the Hinayana Foundational path of Buddhism, we develop strength in our practice of shamatha-vipashyana and learn to stay at peace with whatever arises.
Practice Sessions Include:
-Mindfulness and awareness practices
-Sitting and walking meditation
-Individual meditation instruction
-Talks by senior teachers
-Body exercise
-Study periods
-Silence practice
-Silent walks in nature
-Mindful eating practice
For beginners as well as advanced practitioners, this programme will provide a powerful experience, regardless of age, stage in life, or previous experience with meditation.
Even though there is the possibility to take part only in the first week, you are encouraged to attend two weeks or the whole month. The journey deepens as we allow ourselves to settle into this profound practice.
You can find the full month retreat description here:
https://www.dechencholing.org/program/four-week-meditation-retreat-summer-dathun-2023-02-06-2023/
Typical Daily Schedule:
Each day follows a traditional schedule, incorporating the elements listed above:
7:00am Early Morning Practice Session with body exercises
8:00am Breakfast
9:00am Morning Practice Session
12:30pm Oryoki Lunch
2:00pm Rota Period
3:00pm Afternoon Practice Session
4:30pm Tea Break
5:00pm Late Afternoon Practice Session
6:45pm Dinner
8:00pm Evening Practice Session
9:00pm End of Day
Oryoki (meaning “just enough” in Japanese) synchronizes mind and body by bringing mindfulness to how we eat. Eating oryoki-style, in a prescribed manner and sequence, follows a tradition that began in Zen Buddhist monasteries and has been practiced with Dathüns in the Shambhala tradition since their creation by Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche.
Practical information
Arrival day (Friday 2 June): Intro talk at 8 pm. You’re invited to come from 4 pm in order to register and settle in your room. Dinner is served at 6.45 pm.
End of programme (Friday 9th June): in the evening.
Departure day (Saturday 10th June): You may leave anytime (no programme). You’re welcome to stay for lunch.
This programme is taught in English. The program will be translated into French. Other languages need to be confirmed (please indicate your are requesting the translation on the registration page).
