Time to observe, time to understand
29 December 2023 – 1 January 2024
Meditation retreat
at Pardesa practice center near Bologna, Italy
In this world full of stimuli and demands we have so few opportunities to stop and observe how our minds really work. Sensations, perceptions and thoughts seem to flow so quickly that we always seem to be one step behind our own lives. In the days that mark the end of one year and the beginning of the new, let’s give ourselves space to observe and understand our body and mind, with curiosity and calm. By refining our ability to not react to what emerges from within, our inner freedom grows. The space that we create is already a mental state worthy of our appreciation in its own right.
During this retreat we will practice sitting meditation, walking meditation outdoors, silence, time in nature and mindful eating. The Dharma talks will point us toward observing our mind and its functions, based on Thich Nhat Hanh’s teachings on the fifty-one mental formations.
Saturday 30 and Monday 31 December will be nearly completely in silence. The evening of 31 December will include a festive dinner, and sitting meditation near midnight. The first day of the retreat (Friday 29) and the last (1 January) we will also share with words and deep listening as part of our program, as well as games for improving our familiarity with the mental formations.
No specific skills or experience are required. Retreatants are expected to participate fully in the community life of the practice center. This includes arriving on time for activities and respecting the practices of silence, meditation and sharing. All these elements enrich and are an integral part of our retreat experience.
The retreat will be conducted in Italian and English, with translation when necessary.
Our teacher
Bar Zecharya, Dharma teacher in the zen tradition founded by Thich Nhat Hanh, serves as the caretaker of Pardesa since 2018. Topics dear to him include: how we relate to the Earth and to the climate crisis; practicing in contexts and moments of conflict; understanding and working with the mind, the ego and consciousness; living fully our aspirations; and the art of stopping and healing.
Daily schedule
The schedule may vary. As an example:
6:00 am wake up
6:30 am formal morning meditation
7:30 am breakfast
8:45 am community service
10:00 am Dharma talk
11:00 am walking meditation
12:30 pm lunch
3:30 pm community practice
6:30 pm dinner
8:00 pm formal evening meditation
Practical information and retreat cost
The retreat will take place from Friday 29 December (arrival at 10:00 am) until Monday 1 January (departure at 4:00 pm).
It’s possible, upon request, to arrive the evening of Thursday 28 (arrival time 5:30 pm) and participate in the daily practice schedule of Pardesa (dinner, evening meditation, noble silence, morning meditation and breakfast).
This retreat is fully booked.
Retreat costs:
- Registration by 1 December: €180, with a reduction of €30 for those under 30 years of age.
- Registration after 1 December: €230, with a reduction of €30 for those under 30 years of age.
- Registration closes: 17 December
The retreat cost includes the retreat content, organization and meals. Lodging is available on-site, either camping (€5/night), dormitory (€15/night), or double room (€30/night) according to availability. Those who are not yet members of the non-profit association “La Natura della Mente”, the annual membership fee is €10.
Registration
For more information: info@lanaturadellamente.it