Vipassana meditation retreat facilitated by Venerable Ajahn Mahapanjo, who teaches according to the Forest Tradition, a branch of Theravada Buddhism originating from Thailand.

Held entirely in silence, this retreat is focused on Vipassana meditation, which is a technique aimed at gaining insight into the true nature of reality, liberation of the heart, and the self. Through guided meditations, teachings, and periods of silence, Vipassana offers a unique opportunity to disconnect from the distractions of daily life, deepen our meditation practice, and embark on a journey of self-discovery and transformation. While rooted in the Theravada Buddhist tradition, this retreat is open to people of all backgrounds who seek inner peace and wisdom through meditation.

The key aspects of this Vipassana retreat are:

• Guided Meditations & Teachings. The topic of this week’s teachings will be ‘From breathing to the liberation of the heart’, supporting you to develop awareness of the breath, of the body, sensations, mental states, in order to reconnect to the wholeness of our hearts.
• Silent Contemplation: We maintain noble silence throughout the retreat, refraining from verbal and non-verbal communication with others. This silence helps create a conducive environment for inner reflection.
• Meditation Practice: The core of a Vipassana retreat is the practice of mindfulness meditation. Through observing our bodily sensations, thoughts, and emotions with unwavering attention, we aim to understand our impermanent and ever-changing nature.
• Supported by delightful natural surroundings: Mandali’s beautiful setting allows you to be completely immersed in the practice, and follows a structured daily schedule.
• Vegetarian Meals: We provide simple vegetarian meals (breakfast and lunch) to support the meditative process and promote physical well-being. Following the Theravada tradition the last proper meal will be served by midday and there will be only a tea break in the afternoon. 
• Bi-Lingual teachings. This retreat will be held in English with Italian translation.

This retreat is organised in collaboration with the Italian non-profit association Progetto Pienessere

For more information and bookings please click here

Agenda

Wednesday, 13 November
15:00 Arrival and check-in
17:00-18:00 Light dinner
19:00 General introduction
19:30 Introduction to the topic of the retreat and to the precepts

Thursday, 14 November to Saturday 16 November
05:30 Wake-up
06:00-07:00 Chanting and meditation
07:00 Breakfast
09:00-11:15 Teaching, sitting meditation and walking meditation
11:30 Lunch
14:00-17:00 Teaching, sitting meditation and walking meditation
17:00 Tea break
19:00-21:30 Chanting, Dhamma teaching and meditation

Sunday, 17 November
05:30 Wake-up
06:00-07:00 Chanting and meditation
07:00 Breakfast
Check-out of the rooms by 9am
09:00-11:00 Teaching and meditation
11:15 End of retreat
11:30 Lunch