Practicing with Buddhist psychology: The 51 mental formations
25-29 April 2024
Meditation and mindfulness retreat
at Pardesa practice center in northern Italy
In this world full of stimuli and requests, we have so few occasions to really see how our mind works. Sensations, perceptions and thoughts seem to rush by so quickly that we often feel one step behind our own lives. In these five days of retreat we will develop our non-reactivity towards what emerges from within us, in order to enjoy greater understanding and inner freedom. The space that opens up is in and of itself worthy appreciation and of being truly lived.
Together we will enjoy open-air sitting meditation, walking meditation, silence, contact with nature and mindful meals. The Dharma talks will be based on zen master Thich Nhat Hanh’s teaching on Buddhist psychology, specifically the 51 mental formations and will give us input and tools for observing our minds and the way we relate to our inner and outer worlds.
26-28 April will be practiced entirely in silence. The first day of the retreat (Thursday 25) and the last day (Monday 29) we will also enjoy sharing through speech and listening as part of the daily practice, using games as a method for improving our familiarity with 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 English, with translation to Italian when necessary.
This retreat is sold out, thank you to all those who registered. To be added to the waiting list in case of cancellations, please write to info@lanaturadellamente.it
Our teacher
Bar Zecharya, Dharma teacher in the zen tradition founded by master 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 Service for the community
10:00 am Dharma talk
personal practice
12:00 pm Mindful lunch
3:00 pm Sharing or outdoor sitting meditation
3:45pm Walking meditation
6:30 pm Mindful dinner
8:00 pm formal evening meditation
noble silence
Practical information and retreat cost
The retreat will take place from Thursday 25 April (arrival at 5:00 pm) until Monday 29 April (departure at 4:00 pm).
Retreat costs:
- Registration by 25 March: €200, with a reduction of €30 for those under 30 years of age.
- Registration after 25 March: €240, with a reduction of €30 for those under 30 years of age.
- Registration closes: 12 April
The retreat cost includes the retreat content, organization and all meals. Lodging is available on-site, either camping (€5/night), dormitory (€15/night), or double room (€30/night) according to availability. The rooms are equipped with bunk beds. For those who are not yet members of the non-profit association “La Natura della Mente” that manages the retreat, the annual membership fee is €10.
Registration and more information
This retreat is sold out, thank you to all those who registered. To be added to the waiting list in case of cancellations, please write to info@lanaturadellamente.it
For more information: info@lanaturadellamente.it