![]() This 10-night Tranquil-Insight Meditation retreat is a residential retreat. All retreats are led by Dr. Saccānanda Mahāthera and takes place at our lovely retreat facility in the Westbury, Long Island, New York. The quiet and spacious facility is split around area.
Participants will be instructed and guided in the practice of tranquil-insight meditation. This is the method taught by the Buddha and described in the earliest Buddhist texts. Tranquil-insight meditation is ideal for beginning students or advanced meditators seeking to cultivate greater wisdom and insight. Learn meditation here. Dr. Saccānanda Mahāthera's retreats are neither difficult nor a test of endurance, but rather a joy-filled journey on the middle path of clarity and wisdom. Each evening, he gives an instructional talk based on early Buddhist texts along with anecdotes of his personal experiences. A daily one-on-one personal teacher interview provides each participant with individualized guidance and instruction. The retreat program provides an integrated and supportive environment for optimizing meditation practice. Eight precepts comprising a code of moral conduct are maintained during the retreat, which is conducted in mindful silence with an emphasis on ease and lightheartedness. The retreat facility is located 20 minutes of the JFK Intl Airport, New York. You can drive yourself otherwise you can inform us for picking you up. This is a non-profit retreat. Dr. Saccānanda offers teaching and guidance freely and without payment any kind. Retreat fees only cover the mortgage, electricity, heating, food and other expenses and from the retreat. All donations to Brahma Vihāra are welcome and essential to continue functions at the monastery. Accommodations Comfortable occupancy basement hall are available. There are 6 beds are available where 6 retreaters can stay together. Limited to 6 people.
Arrival and Departure
If you are driving, plan to arrive at BVMC between 1:00 and 4:30 pm on the first day to check in. Street parking is available at our Center. The retreat will end after the morning meditation and breakfast on the last day of the retreat. Detailed Information
What to Wear:The weather in New York is typically warm and sunny with warm nights and in winter season cold. Only light coats at most. Temps are from 55F at night to 95F at 3pm during mid-summer. Rain is likely so be prepared and bring an umbrella. We have them available her, just in case. Bring comfortable, loose-fitting clothes, such as sweat pants with elastic waistband. Be prepared with layers that can be added or removed. Comfortable slip-on shoes are appropriate for walking around the compound. Headgear, such as a hat with a brim, and sunglasses are handy for sunny days. Bring a shawl or small blanket to wrap up in. All available here. What to Bring for Meditation: Chairs for sitting will be provided in the meditation hall. You may wish to bring your own special chair, if desired, along with meditation cushions or pillows. We have a large supply of futons and cushions for the floor. Other Necessities to Bring: Bed linens, blankets, and towels are provided by the center. You may want to bring a special personal pillow or blanket, if desired. Bring personal toiletries (toothpaste, bath soap, sunscreen, Kleenex, etc), flashlight or headlamp and extra batteries and a water bottle. There will be a notification bell to announce meals and group gatherings. What to Leave at Home: Do not bring valuables, nonprescription drugs or alcohol. Do not bring food, unless you have made prior arrangements with the retreat manager for accommodation of medically required special dietary needs. Avoid using scented cosmetics or perfumes that may be allergic to others. Reading and writing are discouraged during this training period, except during the evening dhamma talks by Dr. Saccānanda. You may take notes. Candles, incense, and smoking are not allowed in any rooms. Clocks and Phones: Please attend to personal matters before coming so a not to hamper progress in mediation. To support the practice of silence, participants’ cell phones and tablets, and computers will be collected at the beginning of the retreat and held in a secure area until breakfast on the last day of the retreat. Emergency Phone Numbers: There is no public phone on the facility. If your family needs to reach you in an emergency, they may call these emergency contact numbers: Retreat Teacher, Dr. Saccānanda Mahāthera cell phone: 646-600-0385 Simplicity and Renunciation
Meditation retreats offer a sacred space that is protected and removed from the world. They allow participants a rare opportunity to look deeply inside, quiet the mind, and open the heart. Often the most beneficial and rewarding experiences of spiritual life happen at a meditation retreat. The sheltered and quiet setting is a key element that enables participants to develop patience, steadfastness, loving-kindness, generosity, joy, and wisdom. This is your chance to go deep inside. It is a personal journey and it's best if you leave friends at home unless they are truly interested in the meditation and know what an intense retreat involves. A retreat is about being only with yourself and your own exploration - not being distracted by anything else. Also, this is only about meditation and we will try to support your diet but it isn't a place to fast or try a different diet then you are used to. More of the rules are listed in the Do's and Don'ts. These are the seeds that grow insight, compassion, and happiness. Participants are requested to let go of concerns for daily life and embrace an attitude of simplicity and renunciation by adopting a traditional spiritual practice that is called “taking what is offered.” Taking What is Offered
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Dates Available
Dr. Saccānanda Mahāthera
Dr. Saccānanda is a distinguished Bangladeshi Buddhist monk with more than 21 years of meditation practice. He is regarded as a master meditation teacher leading Tranquil-Insight Meditation retreats in Asia and North America. He founded the Brahma Vihāra Meditation Center in Westbury, Long Island, New York, United States of America. Dr. Saccānanda Mahāthera
Practice Schedule
All retreatants are required to be present and seated in the meditation hall for the 5:30 AM and 6:30 PM sessions. A daily 10-minute teacher interview will be scheduled for each person. During practice periods, retreatants will balance periods of sitting and walking meditation to suit their individual needs. Indoor and outdoor meditation practice is encouraged. DAILY SCHEDULE_________ 5:00 am Wake up 5:30 am Sitting meditation 7:00 am Breakfast 7:30 am Yogi Job 8:00 am Self-directed meditation 9:00 am Interviews 11:30 am Lunch 1:00 pm Self-directed meditation 6:00 pm Tea time 6:30 pm Dhamma talk 8:00 pm Self-directed meditation 10:00 pm Further practice or sleep Map
Brahma Vihāra Meditation Center 26 Hicksville Rd, Westbury, NY 11590 |