Metta
Metta, the wish to see others happy, is a quality of the mind that can be cultivated and developed, and can even be a powerful tool to focus the mind. Alternating its practice with that of vipassana can be very beneficial.
The retreat
“Mettā bhāvanā”, the development of loving-kindness, is one of the most important teachings of the Buddha. We begin by radiating it towards ourselves and then towards the people in our immediate surroundings, gradually widening the circle to encompass all beings everywhere in the universe. The more we practice, the happier and calmer we feel; life becomes more harmonious and peaceful. When this practice of concentration (samatha) becomes too intense, meditators can practice vipassana for a while.
In accordance with the tradition, the meditators take refuge in the Buddha, the Dhamma and the Sangha; they undertake the 9 moral precepts, which include abstaining from taking solid food after midday. The retreat is conducted in silence.
Program (with Ven Dr U Ottara Nyana)
| 05:00 Wake-up/Walking meditation 05:45 – 07:00 Sitting meditation / Morning chants 07.00 – 08:00 Breakfast 08:00 – 08:30 Meditation in action/Walk 08:30 – 09:30 Sitting meditation 09:30 – 10:00 Walking meditation 10:00 – 11:00 Teaching on Abhidhamma 11:00 – 12:00 Vegetarian lunch 12:00 – 13:00 Personal study |
13:00 – 14:00 Sitting meditation 14:00 – 15:00 Walking meditation 15:00 – 16:00 Study of Suttas 16:00 – 17:00 Drinks and walk 17:00 – 18:00 Sitting meditation 18:00 – 18:30 Walking meditation 18:30 – 19:30 Sitting meditation 19:30 – 20:00 Walking meditation 20:00 – 21:00 Discussion |
The meditators commit themselves to respect the program.
The retreat is conducted in English with translation into French.