Calm and Insight Retreat with Samaneri Jayasāra

May all beings be deeply well and find peace within their own hearts

Viveka Hermitage

The cultivation of calm and tranquility, mindfulness and wisdom are central to the path of awakening and liberation as taught by the Buddha. This 4-day retreat will offer foundational teachings on the Buddhist principles and practices of calm and insight. These will be incorporated throughout various guided meditation sessions (sitting, walking and standing practices), Q&A sessions, silent group sittings, readings and reflections, along with some relaxation sessions or yoga nidras.

The emphasis in this retreat will be more on direct practice rather than a study course on Buddhism. The teachings and practices will encourage participants to investigate and be with one’s mind; learning how to integrate these practices into daily life so as to bring more calm, peacefulness, and clarity.

This 4-day retreat will be held in noble silence with times for group Q & A and discussion. Participants will be encouraged to continue the practice principles after the end of the formal retreat schedule each day and will be provided with various resources to do so.

About the teacher

Samaneri Jayasara is a ten precept nun in the Theravadin Forest tradition (of Ajahn Chah and Ajahn Sumedho). She has studied and practised Buddhism and meditation in various capacities for over 35 years. She has a PhD and Master’s Degree in education, focusing on comparative spiritual traditions, Buddhism and psychotherapy. Prior to ordaining as a Buddhist nun, she taught at secondary, undergraduate and post-graduate levels in psychology and counselling, and also worked as a trainer in mental health and crisis intervention in the welfare sector.

Retreat schedule

9:00-10.45am: Introduction/recaps, Dhamma reflections and instructions & various guided practices
10.45-11.15am: MORNING TEA
11.15-1.00pm: Guided meditations, silent practices + Q&A
1pm-1.50pm: LUNCH*
1.50-3.45pm: Dhamma reflections and instructions & various guided practices
3.45-5pm: Q&A / Discussion and closing reflections

What You Will Experience

• Foundational Teachings: Explore key Buddhist principles and practices of calm and insight, focusing on direct experience rather than theoretical study, with guidance on integrating these teachings into daily life.
• Guided Meditation Sessions: Engage in a variety of meditation practices, including sitting, walking, and standing, aimed at cultivating tranquility, mindfulness, and wisdom.
• Noble Silence: Participate in a retreat held in noble silence, allowing for deep reflection and personal investigation, with scheduled times for group Q&A and discussions to support your learning journey.
• Relaxation and Reflection: Experience relaxation sessions, such as yoga nidra, along with readings and reflections that deepen your understanding and practice of calm and insight.
• Ongoing Practice Support: Receive resources and encouragement to continue the practices beyond the retreat, fostering calm, peacefulness, and clarity in your everyday life.

*Lunching at the Upper Brookfield Sanctuary
We kindly request that you bring your own packed lunch daily.
A light morning and afternoon tea will be served daily, light foods suitable for meditation practice.