Relaxed schedule
Regular meditation instructions
Short sittings
Opportunities to talk
Evening meal available

This is a retreat for people who may have never meditated, visited a monastery, or been on a retreat. You don’t need to know anything about Buddhism or meditation. It provides a gentle introduction to meditation, with lots of instruction and guidance, short meditation periods (10 to 20 minutes), lots of free time, and opportunities to talk. (Other retreats at Sītavana are conducted in silence, except for meditation instructions, and question & answers at tea time).

We start with absolute basics: how to sit for meditation, and why; experimenting with various postures and aids (cushion, kneeling stool, chair). There is the option for an evening meal (contrary to the normal practice at the monastery, where only two meals a day are eaten, breakfast at 7:00 and the main meal at 11:00).

The retreat starts at 5:00 pm on Friday with "tea-time" - an orientation from Ajahn Sona, and a chance to ask questions. Please plan to arrive before 4:00 pm (and after noon, unless you have made arrangements to join us for the 11:00 meal on Friday).

The retreat ends at noon on Sunday, after the main meal.

For more information on our daily schedule, etiquette at the monastery, etc., please read through our Guest Guide.

We look forward to welcoming you!