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 & 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 4:30 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.

We look forward to welcoming you!