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About this trip
Insight Vipassana Silent Meditation Retreat is a golden opportunity to meet your true self and cultivate inner peace, conscious action and mindful thought.
Dive into an ancient method of meditation - pristinely simple in principle and profoundly transformative in application.
Live in silence for a few days in a picturesque natural location with clean fresh air in the Chilterns Area of Outstanding National Beauty. Give yourself a digital detox: turn off the phone and take a break from the information flow and endless affairs and tasks. Establish a healthy daily routine and diet in harmony with nature and the sun's cycles. Get better: nourish your body with a healthy, nutritious plant-based diet, prepared with love, with many vegetables and herbs grown organically at the walled gardens of Hardwick Estate. Slow down: immerse yourself into plenty of quality, distraction-free time to listen to your inner voice and reflect on your life.
The program of the retreat will include sitting mindfulness meditation as well as dynamic walking meditation practice. Silence is observed for 5 full days - you will be surprised at how nourishing this experience can be when you don’t have to speak to anyone. The exception is the optional personal interviews with a teacher where you will be able to clarify any questions related to the practice. Daily Hatha yoga asana supports the body in its mental and emotional endeavours, unlocking bodily blocks and releasing tension.
Use this time of solitude, supported by your conscious community and expert facilitators, to devote yourself to intense practice, deep learning, insights and clear seeing...
Carefully and thoughtfully curated ancient techniques in this meditative gathering on the banks of the river Thames will enable you to shed outer layers of stress and strife, revealing your pure nature within.
What Makes Vipassana Special?
The Vipassana technique is a meditation of observation, awareness and wisdom. It is an ancient form of meditation which has been passed on through monastery lineages for thousands of years. It is one of the most simple, but most profound methods of meditation to be found.
There are a few different ways of teaching this technique. On this retreat, we will be following the teaching style practiced in some of the oldest monasteries in the world, by including dynamic walking meditation in addition to seated postures, to help inform the Vipassana practice. We will also be incorporating daily yoga sessions, specifically designed to prepare the body for sitting in meditation - building flexibility and strength so you can focus on your meditation without being distracted by too much physical discomfort.
The Vipassana method comes directly from the Satipatthana Sutta - The Foundations of Mindfulness - a discourse attributed directly to the Buddha. It is a universal technique which does not come with any pre-requisite requirement of any religious or spiritual allegiance. On the retreat there are no rituals, ceremonies or required reading of religious literature. It is a beautiful and transformative technique which can be practiced by those of any religion, without confliction, and practiced by those with no religion at all. Whatever form your spirituality takes and to whatever degree, there is room to apply this technique and feel the benefit.
All levels of practitioner are welcome - if you have never meditated or done yoga before you will be introduced to the fundamental technique which underlies all others. Experienced meditators will find sincere practice in gorgeous surroundings, enabling states of deep consciousness.
What Are The Benefits?
Essentially, Vipassana mindfulness meditation is a system of exercises designed to train the mind, just as the gym is designed to train the body. We learn to see clearly - reality as it is without delusions that fog the mind.
The practice of mindfulness calms the mind, improves concentration, develops memory and attention, and develops the skill of awareness and presence in the moment of now.
Coming on a retreat like this can facilitate:
- Helping to let go of the burden of regrets about the past, worries, negative emotions
- The cultivation of an equal, objective and impartial attitude to what is happening
- Developed emotional intelligence, empathy and compassion for oneself and others
- Reduced stress and anxiety levels
- Fewer fears and obsessive or compulsive thoughts
- A clear and calm mind
- Improved awareness and consciousness of the body
- Developed presence in the moment and attentiveness to everyday activities
- Lessening of identifying with emotional states
- Less habitual and mindless reactivity to your environment
- Cultivation of patience and thoughtfulness of action
- Greater acceptance of life in its entirety and acceptance of one’s own life
Cost Of Participation In The Retreat
The cost of participation in the retreat consists of two parts:
1 - organisational fee of £149 - to cover the basic price of accommodation and food for the participant.
2 — donation — for the retreat program itself.
It is important for Vipassana to be offered for donation, and not provided to generate private financial gain. This is the purest and most karmically beneficial path. The donation aspect allows both the organisers and the participants to show pure and sublime intentions.
As organisers and teachers of the retreat, we offer the teaching in the spirit of selfless service. Giving the gift of this meditation is a beautiful thing, and one we are honoured to have the opportunity to facilitate. There is great bliss in bringing this knowledge to others, purely for the benefit of each individual and for humanity as a whole.
As participants in the retreat, there is the opportunity to touch knowledge without a consumerist expectation. As only the basic costs have been covered, going into the retreat the expectation of input from the organisers is only to provide this basic service, and then the exchange is equalised. Whatever occurs above that is at the discretion of the participant. It means that you yourself, based on the results of the retreat, have the right to evaluate how valuable the experience was for you and show adequate generosity for yourself so as not to devalue your experience.
There will be opportunity for you to make whatever donation you feel moved to give at the end of the retreat.
For those who would like to combine the experience of the retreat and the noble karma of the service, we have a few Seva Tickets. These tickets are designed for those who enjoy getting involved in the running of the retreat by giving the core crew a hand with whatever is needed to be done on the day, or those who can't afford the full price of the tickets but still want to come.
If you’re keen to be involved in this way, please click here to complete our online application.
Essential Info
Day One: Arrivals and start of the retreat.
Days Two-Six : Five full days of intensive silent meditation practice.
Day Seven: End of the retreat and departures.
We will be eating fresh, organic, locally grown plant-based meals lovingly prepared according to Ayurvedic principles. As much as possible our gorgeous fruit and veg will come from Tolhurst Organic farm, based on site, which uses stock-free farming to produce the lowest possible carbon footprint, cruelty-free food. Their work is truly inspiring and aligned with our ethos of reconnecting and re-aligning with Mother Nature to live in more harmony.
The retreat is held in a secluded rural camping field next to the shores of the river with composting toilets and fresh water. Tents are available to rent if you can not bring your own.
Camper vans & caravans are welcome at no extra cost, dogs must stay at home!
This retreat is free from drugs, alcohol or intoxicants which cloud the purity of mind.
Surround yourself with hundreds of year-old trees, wildflower meadows, stunning scenery, magical sunset views, wonderful wildlife & your community.
Location & Travel
Hardwick estate is only 40 minutes by train from London (Paddington), and just 20 minutes by car from Junction 12 on the M4. Easily accessible from the main transport hubs at Reading, yet set in the rolling countryside of the Chilterns AONB, Hardwick is ideally located for a weekend getaway of peace and tranquility.
If you have a spare seat in your car and are happy to share a ride, or if you need a lift to the gathering, join the link to the our retreat community WhatsApp group.
What’s included
- Sitting MeditationsThis is a great opportunity to learn proven itself profound methods of mindfulness meditation.
- Walking MeditationsThe rare opportunity to learn the art of the dynamic meditation which traditionally accompanied and enhanced the effects of the sitting meditation.
- Daily YogaYoga to help us connect to our natural state of body/mind - relaxed awareness, presence, peace. Exploring mindful embodiment through the depth of asanas, breathwork and cleansing practices.
- Dhamma TalksInsight into the nature of the mind and the self, with stories from the sutras to inspire long lasting inner peace in everyday life.
- Teacher InterviewsOpportunity for personal consultation with our meditation teacher to help you on your path.
- Ayurvedic Meals and TeasAll our food is organic and locally sourced and lovingly prepared with your health and satisfaction in mind. We are so lucky to be surrounded by passionate and ethical growers!
- Nature ConnectionConnect to the sacred land around you through immersion into the generous wild.
- Wild SwimmingWe are blessed to have a clean section of the Thames on our doorstep. It's one of the best wild swimming spots in UK.
- Riverside SaunaDeeply relax in the warmth of the sauna with a spectacular view of the river Thames. The sauna will be available on day one and day seven of the retreat.
- Luxury Indoor ShowersIndoor showers and toilets are conveniently located next to the campsite. There are additional toilets, an outdoor hot shower cabin, sinks and fresh running water also available in the campsite.
- Massage/HealingThere will be professional therapists on site offering rejuvenating massage and deeply healing bodywork. This will be offered at a reduced rate but is not included in the package price.
- Ground RentAccommodation is provided on a secluded camping field next to the shores of the river. Bring your own tent or hire one at checkout.
What’s not included
- Tent for Personal RestBring a tent to pitch in our secluded camping field next to the shores of the river. We have an option to rent tents which you can add before you checkout.
- BeddingPlease bring your own sleeping bags, blankets, pillows etc.
- Cutlery and crockeryPlease bring your own plates, bowls, cutlery and mug.
- Yoga matPlease bring your own yoga mat. Let us know if you cant access a mat we have a few to borrow. Please also bring a blanket for end of class relaxation.
Available Packages
The cost of participation in the retreat consists of two parts:
1 - organisational fee of £149 - to cover the basic price of accommodation and food for the participant.
2 — donation — for the retreat program itself.
It is important for Vipassana to be offered for donation, and not provided to generate private financial gain. This is the purest and most karmically beneficial path. The donation aspect allows both the organisers and the participants to show pure and sublime intentions.
As organisers and teachers of the retreat, we offer the teaching in the spirit of selfless service. Giving the gift of this meditation is a beautiful thing, and one we are honoured to have the opportunity to facilitate. There is great bliss in bringing this knowledge to others, purely for the benefit of each individual and for humanity as a whole.
As participants in the retreat, there is the opportunity to touch knowledge without a consumerist expectation. As only the basic costs have been covered, going into the retreat the expectation of input from the organisers is only to provide this basic service, and then the exchange is equalised. Whatever occurs above that is at the discretion of the participant. It means that you yourself, based on the results of the retreat, have the right to evaluate how valuable the experience was for you and show adequate generosity for yourself so as not to devalue your experience.
There will be opportunity for you to make whatever donation you feel moved to give at the end of the retreat.
For those who would like to combine the experience of the retreat and the noble karma of the service, we have a few Seva Tickets. These tickets are designed for those who enjoy getting involved in the running of the retreat by giving the core crew a hand with whatever is needed to be done on the day, or those who can't afford the full price of the tickets but still want to come.
If you’re keen to be involved in this way, please click here to complete our online application.
Includes:
✔️ 7 days of the retreat.
✔️ All activities, meditations and classes.
✔️ Delicious Ayurvedic food: A selection of hot drinks will be available during meal times.
✔️ Ground for your own tent if you wish to bring one otherwise we have tents available for rent.
Available options
Bell Matting
2 Single camping beds
Bedding, Linen, Blankets for beds
Quilts, Cushions
Table, Light, Mirror
Fairy lights
Rugs
Pre-erected, spacious, cotton canvas bell tent for your private accommodation. Equipped with a double mattress, rug, table and lamp.
Pre-erected, unfurnished tent for your private accommodation during your stay. Sleeps 3-4 people or provides spacious accommodation for one.
Pre-erected, unfurnished tent for 1-2 people for your private accommodation during your stay. Provides a decent space for solo travellers.
Itinerary
At the retreat we will stick to a simple schedule, you don’t even need to look at the clock - the ringing of the bell will let you know where you need to be at a certain point in time.
We ask you to follow the schedule in full and participate in all meditations and lectures. You will have an opportunity for a personal interview with a teacher to help you with questions related to the meditation practice. You will have enough free time to rest, wash your clothes etc. and reflect on your experience during specially provided breaks.
A sample daily retreat schedule is below:
4:30 – 5.00 Wake up
5:00 – 5:45 Sitting meditation
5:45 – 6:45 Meditative yoga
6:45 – 7:30 Sitting meditation
07:30 – 09:00 Breakfast / Shower / Work
9:00 – 10:00 Meditation Instructions
10:00 – 10:45 Walking Meditation
10:45 – 11:30 Sitting meditation
11:30 – 13:30 Lunch / Rest
13:30 – 14:15 Sitting meditation
14:15 – 15:00 Walking Meditation
15:00 – 15:45 Meditation Instructions
15:45 – 16:30 Walking Meditation / Interviews with a teacher
16:30 – 17:15 Sitting meditation / Interviews with a teacher
17:15 – 19:00 Drinks / Relaxation / Shower
19:00 – 20:00 Conversation, Q&A and shared practice
20:00 – 20:30 Walking Meditation
20:30 – 21:00 Sitting meditation
21:00 – 21:30 Going to bed