CALM AND CLEAR

8 days in silence, for a profound experience of meditation

Dates : from 12 to 20 April

Awakening our mind: a transformative meditation retreat

Whatever our level of meditation, this retreat offers a rare opportunity to explore the depth of meditation in the serene and sacred atmosphere of Lerab Ling. We will then be able to get in touch with the qualities of peace and clarity in our mind.

By deepening the practice of Calm Abiding (Shamatha), we cultivate stillness, relaxation and concentration. Our natural state and the profound vision of Vipashana then gradually rises up, enabling us to discover who we really are, beyond the noise of everyday life and our usual patterns.

Guided by experienced Rigpa instructors, the retreat will begin with a day of introduction, recalling the key principles of the practice. On the second day, we will move into an immersive practice of sitting and walking meditation.

Silence, introduced on the second day, will be observed until the seventh day of the retreat, creating a space of calm and introspection.

During this time, optional personal interviews with the instructors can provide support, clarity and guidance (in English, French and Spanish).

Each day we will experience seven hours of sitting and walking meditation (we may choose to sit on a cushion or chair). Gentle physical exercises will help to balance the practice and there will be free time to relax and enjoy the beauty and tranquillity of Lerab Ling.

Organised in English and French with Spanish translation, this retreat is open to all. However, as we will quickly enter into silence after little instruction, we recommend this retreat to people who have already received instruction on meditation and have begun to practise it, even if only occasionally.

Please note: Although the proposed practices are intended for everyone, they are contraindicated in certain cases, particularly for people suffering from mental health problems. In case of doubt, a discussion with your doctor or therapist or an exchange with one of the retreat instructors will be needed to validate your participation in this retreat. Please send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

For this event, you can stay for up to 3 extra days. To take your time, contemplate and enjoy the Lerab Ling environment. This option is included in the registration process.

PRESENTERS

Alain Beauregard is a physicist by training and a high-tech entrepreneur. He has been studying and practising Buddhism since 1995. Alain has been an instructor in Montreal since 2002 and has been teaching healing internationally since 2011, based on his own healing story. He is a Rigpa senior teacher and teaches primarily on healing and meditation, with a particular interest in applying the millennia-old teachings of Buddhism to modern life.

Frédéric Chastelas has been studying and practising Buddhism since 1997. Since 2009 Frédéric has been teaching meditation as part of events organised by Rigpa and helped to develop a programme of personal retreat in Lerab Ling – offering the opportunity to discover or deepen the practice of meditation to anyone who is interested. He is part of a team of instructors who hold regular courses and weekend events on meditation, compassion and other practices of Tibetan Buddhism.

Yara Vrolijks grown up in a Buddhist family, Yara devoted her time, from an early age, to Buddhist study and practice. She holds a Master's degree in Philosophy from King's College London and spent a number of years on the Milinda programme, supervised by Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche. Yara is becoming a regular in the team of instructors holding public events in Lerab Ling and is professionally trained as a Tipi emotional regulation therapist.

Vinciane Rycroft is an educator interested in ways in which the modern world can benefit from the peace, compassion and wisdom of the Tibetan Buddhist teachings. She initiated several projects, including a programme bringing mindfulness and awareness into schools, and conferences on compassion in society.

EXAMPLE OF DAILY SCHEDULE

07.00 - 07.45 Session 1 (optional)
07.30 - 09.00 Breakfast
09.00 - 12.00 Session 2 (includes 20 mins of physical exercises)
12.00 - 13.00 Lunch
14.30 - 17.30 Session 3 (includes 20 mins of physical exercises)
18.00 - 19.00 Dinner
19.00 - 20.00 Session 4 (optional)

Tags: PUBLIC, MEDITATION