15-day basic course / 12-day retreat – Vipassana Meditation

approx. 60 km from Hamburg (12 participants)

The 15-day basic course takes place from October 5th. until October 20th, 2024 in a course with 12 participants. Anyone who already has one or possibly Anyone who has successfully completed two basic courses can do a 12-day retreat.

Shorter participation (at least 7 days) is possible, provided it is available from September 1st. there should still be remaining places.

The course is taught by guest teachers Alex and Miriam Young from Toronto, Canada. This is the fifth year that you have been coming to Germany specifically for the course.

The course is suitable for experienced as well as seriously interested newbies and beginners. For beginners, the course starts on the first day with 10 minutes of walking meditation, 10 minutes of sitting meditation, then a break, then the next round and so on. Every day - if possible - 5 minutes are added and a maximum of 1 hour walking and 1 hour sitting. The lessons take place in daily individual discussions between the teacher and the meditator, so that your experiences and experiences are addressed individually.

The retreat takes place in the Vipassana Center in Moorhusen, which is approx. 45 minutes from Hamburg. Accommodation is in shared rooms separated for men and women.

Auf Airbnb ansehen Idyllisches Landhaus mit großem Garten & Yogaraum

 

The course starts Saturday October 5th. at 4:00 p.m. Please plan your arrival between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. The course takes place in “Noble Silence”.

The food is vegetarian. All participants should strive to observe the eight Buddhist precepts during their stay. Working meditation is also distributed (maximum one hour per day), i.e. you help with kitchen work (peeling vegetables, etc.) and housework.

8 Buddhist precepts:

Do not kill and do not harm any living being
do not steal or take what was not given
no sexual acts
do not lie
no mentally clouding substances (alcohol, drugs)
no solid food after 12 noon
no entertainment (singing, dancing, reading, writing, cell phone, etc.)
no lush comfortable beds

 

Requirements for participants:

The course is suitable for both newbies, beginners and experienced.

Vipassana meditation is carried out according to the tradition of the venerable Ajahn Tong Sirimangalo, a highly respected meditation teacher and abbot of the “Wat Phradhatu Sri Chomtong” monastery in Thailand, who passed away in December 2019 at the age of 96. It is an intensive form of the Mahasi Sayadaw tradition. Attention is practiced by participants observing the four basics of mindfulness: body, feelings, mind and mental objects during alternating periods of walking and sitting or daily activities. The course includes some rituals from Buddhism, such as recitations and bows to the Buddha at the opening ceremony and before reporting. However, no religious affiliation is necessary to practice Vipassana meditation and it is up to each individual whether they want to take part in the rituals or simply watch. During the course, participants wear white clothing, as is customary in monasteries in Thailand. Please bring “monastic” white clothing, i.e. not tight-fitting and not low-cut.

 

daily routine

Get up at 4:00 a.m., breakfast at 6:30 a.m., lunch at 11:00 a.m., yoghurt dish at 6:00 p.m., go to bed at 10:00 p.m. 1 hour of working meditation per day, lessons with the teacher. The remaining time is intended for meditation with 20-30 minute breaks between meditation rounds.

 

How much does participation cost?

Participation in the practical and teaching offerings in accordance with the Buddhist tradition of “Dana” (= generosity, willingness to give) is free of charge. There are no fees for teaching, accommodation and meals and no donation recommendations are made. Following the old rule, teaching should be freely available to everyone regardless of financial background. People who have experienced the benefits of meditation practice and would like to maintain the offerings in the future can make a donation according to their own desire and ability. The courses, events and offers are therefore a gift from other meditators, previous participants and general supporters. A donation box will be set up.

We hope that the donations will be enough to cover the costs of teachers' flights, accommodation and meals.

 

DANA

“Dana” means gift and generosity. It involves supporting those who unselfishly and openly give their time and knowledge to teach the path of calm, insight and compassionate action. Dana is a form of thanksgiving: a spontaneous, grateful offering that arises from appreciation for what has been received. Such generosity cannot be forced. It simply opens as the tree of mindfulness blossoms and finally bears fruit.

 

Disclaimer
The meditation teacher and the organizers assume no liability unless there is intent, gross negligence or injury to body, health or life. Participation is always at your own risk.
The courses offered are not therapeutic events and do not replace professional care for mentally and physically ill people. In the case of serious physical or mental illnesses, the consent of the doctor or therapist is necessary. We cannot be held liable for personal items and valuables.

 

What do you need to bring with you?
Alarm clock, digital timer (no cell phone if available), comfortable white clothing, slippers, towels, bed linen, cash for 'Dana', flowers for the altar/opening ceremony with white or light flower color.

 

Registration
Philip Popp
Email: philipvipassana@gmail.com

Address:

25554 Moorhusen, Kirchweg 4