iSangha & Kalyanamitta Retreat 8-12 May 2025

“Thus have I heard. On one occasion the Blessed One was dwelling among the Sakyans where there was a town of the Sakyans named Nagaraka. Then the Venerable Ānanda approached the Blessed One. Having approached, he paid homage to the Blessed One, sat down to one side, and said to him:
“Venerable sir, this is half of the holy life, that is, good friendship, good companionship, good comradeship.”
“Not so, Ānanda! Not so, Ānanda! This is the entire holy life, Ānanda, that is, good friendship, good companionship, good comradeship. When a mendicant has a good friend, a good companion, a good comrade, it is to be expected that one will develop and cultivate the Noble Eightfold Path. (Upaḍḍha Sutta SN 45.2)

 

iSangha & Kalyanamitta Retreat 8-12 May 2025

Guided by Ayya Anopama

The joyful iSangha reunion for Vesak at Tilorien in May 2024 aroused the idea of joining together at Tilorien for a retreat on Vesak 2025, a wonderful occasion for practicing in community.

In this retreat we will cultivate mindfulness and stillness and explore the importance of spiritual friendship on the path, especially in the times we live in, and the connection between mitta (friendship) and metta (lovingkindness). Why does the Buddha say that good friendship is the whole of the holy life? What are the characteristics of a good friend? What connects friendship with the factors of awakening? How are mindfulness and loving kindness related and how do they work together to protect us?

The retreat will include silent meditation and gentle movement as well as meditation in relation with others (Insight Dialogue) in groups of two or more, Dhamma contemplation and sharing in community.

Where: Tilorien Monastery / Local Village Hall Engreux
When:  Thursday 8 May 17.00 to Monday 12 May 14.00 (plus optional walk)
Who:    Tilorien’s iSangha & Kalyanamittas and whoever feels affinity with Tilorien

To support logistics and to weave a sense of community throughout the retreat, we ask participants to commit to the whole of the retreat. We will keep the 8 precepts and noble silence until the morning of the last day which is Vesak when we will share together in community. We are working on making this retreat also available online.

Accommodation & Food

We have rented two houses in the village.
Both houses have three shared bedrooms, each including two separate beds, and shared bathroom facilities.
If you prefer to stay in another place, you can do so at the local bed and breakfast,  the local campsite or elsewhere by making your own booking arrangements.

Meals include breakfast and lunch and are completely vegetarian. Allowables (cheese, dark chocolate and sweets) are offered at tea time. If you have any intolerances or allergies, you can let us know at registration.

Dana

The retreat is organized out of generosity and joy and offered on the basis of Dana (donation). All expenses, including vegetarian meals, hiring kitchen facilities and part of the accommodation, are paid by kind donations of people supporting Tilorien who wish to give others the opportunity to practice the Dhamma. Participants are invited to join into this flow of freely giving and make a donation at the end of the retreat.

To give you an idea about average costs per an in-person participant:
€135 including accommodation in shared room (pre-booked)
€55 excluding accommodation (making your own arrangements)

We provide this information so that you can take into account while considering your own needs and possibilities, if and when you would like to offer Dana.

Registration opens December 2024!

 

For more information, email: [email protected]
To join Tilorien’s iSangha, register here
To find out about Tilorien’s activities, sign up for news
If you wish to help and volunteer, email: [email protected]