SILENT RETREATS create an opportunity for continuous practice and no escape for the ego

Make a place for silence
and room for yourself.

Live in infinite peace.

Silence means
no repetitions, no affirmations, no denials,
only a conscious acknowledgement of the presence.
beyond words and thoughts.

When you experience this silence,
you remember who you are.

Presence is the experience
of not trying to be somewhere else,
or be someone else.

A silent retreat presents an opportunity to be mindful
of your activities and mind states,
free from the normal distractions of everyday life
and not obscured by your social interactions with others.

The outcome is a deeper insight
into the impermanent, impersonal and unsatisfactory nature of all things.
which helps deepen your sense of freedom
and waking up
to the reality of the only reliable internal refuge.

Shantiji will offer guided meditation instructions at the first session
interspersed with dharmic teachings.
Each day will include periods of silent sitting and walking meditation.

The meditation instruction will develop both mindfulness and heart practices
which are done during sitting, lying down, standing and walking meditation.

The practice instructions are based on the four foundations of mindfulness
in combination with exercises in kindness and compassion.
exploring the many ways that true spiritual practice
is an engagement with life
that runs contrary to the confusion in this world.

This ancient path of awakening your own deepest wisdom
is accessible to all who choose it.

During a silent retreat we hold ourselves in Noble Silence,
which means all who attend will remain silent from the opening session
until we break the silence on the last full day of retreat.

To aid Noble Silence, we avoid all social communication,
this includes eye contact and normal pleasantries
such as greetings or holding doors open for each other etc.

There will be opportunities for some Q and A
as well as our small group debrief,
when you meet with Shantiji to discuss the experience of the retreat.

The space for walking meditation is both inside the building
as well as on the beautiful grounds of the retreat centre.

Meals are eaten communally, also in silence.

Please note:
The rest of the Nirvana campus will not be in silence
which means other staff and team members
could be speaking and communicating.

Please bring outdoor clothing appropriate for weather conditions
as portions of this retreat include an outdoor program.

While we hope you can join us for a meaningful and beautiful experience,
whether you are a beginner or a more experienced practitioner.
However, silent meditation retreats are not suitable for everybody.