Vipassana Insight Meditation in the Mahasi Tradition.
The Mahasi Sayadaw of Burma, one of the most influential meditation teachers of the last century, developed a combination of techniques – a robust schedule, noting intentions and going slow – to develop the steadiness of attention needed for insight into the impermanence, unsatisfactoriness and not-self.
Understanding these Three Existential Characteristics leads to liberation, peace and happiness. Metta/Goodwill and Bodycare are also developed. Time also for daily practice and questions.
On the last Sunday there is the opportunity to undergo Lay Ordination for those wishing to make the Buddha Dhamma the reference point in their lives.
Mental health criteria
It is likely that this retreat will not be advisable if you have a history of any of the following:
– Severe psychotic interludes or psychosis (even if controlled with medication)
– An active addiction to drugs or alcohol.
A person with at least one year of recovery and abstinence is welcome.
If you have any history in relation to a suicide attempt or if you have questions or concerns about the above, please contact our Retreat Manager, Susanne O’Brien, by email, to arrange a suitable time to have a conversation.
Susanne can be reached on retreatmanager@gaiahouse.co.uk

Listen to one of Bhante Bodhidhamma's Talks: Mae Chee Kaew: Awakened! (Duration 41:40)
More talks on Dharma Seed. and Satipanya.

The teachers will be assisted by:

Retreat Code = 19146
C = special criteria, please read the retreat description carefully
Well-being guidelines - please click here to read before booking Before you book, please read these guidelines about mental well-being and silent retreats: Meditation retreats can be very nourishing; however, as they require sustained meditation practice, they also need some stability of psychological health. If you have recently (within the past year or so) experienced significant trauma or psychiatric illness, or if you are currently experiencing acute emotional distress such as serious depression or anxiety, it may not be the best time for you to participate in a retreat. The teachers might not be able to give you the kind of individual psychological care you need at this time. A setting with more opportunities for interpersonal engagement may be more appropriate.
Friday 10 May – Sunday 19 May 2019 (9 nights)
Standard Rate: £486 - Please pay this rate if you canSponsor Rate: £583 - A benefactor rate, which helps others to come here on the Supported Rate
Supported Rate: £413 - Available if the Standard Rate is too high for you
FAB Fund Rate: £243 - For more details please see the Financial Assistance page
Young Persons Rate: £146 - For more details please see the Financial Assistance page
Extending Your Retreat = £54 per night – Conditions apply – please see box
- Arrive for registration between 2-5pm on the opening day.
- Depart after 12.30pm on the final day (or 1.30pm if staying for lunch).
- Please only make travel bookings to fit with these times.
- These conditions apply even if you've been to Gaia House before.
- The teachers and staff at Gaia House require this commitment in order to respect the retreat environment and minimise disruption to others.
- We are not able to accept bookings from people who want to arrive and/or depart outside of these times.