All levels of experience are welcome. For those who want to sit deeply, there will be ample time. For those who prefer a gentler rhythm, you can adjust the schedule to your needs.

Please note that we are unable to accept bookings from people under the age of 18.

What meditation do you teach?

Our retreats are built around four main pillars: Concentration, Insight, Metta, and Awareness-based practice. These are listed in full below. The exact meditations may differ from retreat to retreat, depending on the theme, but are generally flavoured with the following:

Samatha

• Calm-abiding technique, where we build the concentration faculty that leads to samadhi and jhana, insight and awakening

Insight

• Vipassana
  Insight meditation from the Theravada tradition, investigating the three marks of experience — impermanence (anicca), suffering (dukkha), and not-self (anatta) — to see clearly into the nature of mind

• Vipashyana
  Insight practice from the Tibetan tradition, resting directly in the nature of mind through investigation rather than analysis

Awareness-based

• Shikantaza — also known as silent illumination or choiceless awareness, from the Zen tradition, where we marinate in the void of awareness

• Trekchö — an awareness-based practice to settle into non-dual awareness, from the Dzogchen tradition

Metta

• Loving-kindness meditation that opens the qualities of the heart and can lead into deeper states of absorption

Noble silence is held each morning until 12pm. This doesn't mean the mornings are silent throughout, though — some will include guided instruction or a short talk from the teacher. From then on, conversation is welcome during meal times in the dining hall — a chance to get to know fellow meditators, share stories, and form bonds. In the context of non-dual awareness and integration while on retreat, conversation itself becomes part of the practice.

Outside of meal times, we remain in silence throughout.

If you'd prefer to stay in silence for some or all of the retreat — including meal times — silent badges are available so other guests know.

The retreat includes yoga and pranayama each morning, suitable for all levels of experience. We draw on Vinyasa, Hatha, and YoQi — a blend of yoga and qi gong — alongside pranayama (breath-control techniques) and Kriya Yoga, to stimulate the internal energy system and support the move into non-dual states. This isn't a movement retreat, though — the emphasis stays on meditation, and the movement sessions are there to support it, not to challenge you.

Chanting is entirely optional, and this is not a religious retreat in any way. We sometimes chant Pali suttas, Tibetan mantras and Zen chants to connect with each of these lineages — it's also a fun way to engage with the traditions. Occasionally we chant specific mantras that have traditionally been used for purification and awakening.

Yes. Short meditation interviews can be arranged during the afternoon slot after lunch — a chance to check in one-to-one if you want guidance on a technique, or just want to talk through what's coming up in your practice.

Freshly prepared vegetarian meals are served each day — breakfast, lunch, and dinner. On some retreats, breakfast is a lighter offering of fruit, tea, coffee, and protein balls.

Let us know of any dietary requirements or allergies when you book, and we'll do our best to accommodate them.

Where rooms are shared, we place roommates of the same gender. In dormitory-style rooms, we do the same where possible, grouping into male and female dorms. If you have a specific need or preference around room-sharing, let us know when booking and we'll do our best to accommodate it.

• Towel

• Torch or head torch

• Clothing and shoes suitable for the month and location of the retreat

• Toiletries (biodegradable products preferred)

• Pillow case, duvet cover, and mattress cover. Otherwise they can be hired on-site for a small fee

• Comfort items — slippers, a hot water bottle, a cosy blanket, journal etc.

Included: meditation, morning movement practice, teachings, hand-outs, accommodation, and food.

Excluded: bedding, travel insurance, travel to and from the venue (flights, train, bus or car), as well as personal expenses. We'd recommend arranging your own travel insurance before you travel. On the last day, we sometimes go for a group dinner and/or sauna after the retreat — this isn't included.

• The retreat is held in English.

• Some prior meditation experience is recommended.

• Recreational drugs and alcohol are not permitted on our retreats. If a retreatant is found to be under their influence, they may be asked to leave, in which case no refund will be given.

• We won't take your mobile phone away — coming on retreat involves a degree of trust that you'll manage your own use of technology.

• Our retreats can be intense and emotionally challenging, and require a good level of emotional stability. If you have a mental health condition, please get in touch before booking so we can discuss together whether the retreat is a good fit.

• If you have a physical health condition or mobility concern, please get in touch before booking so we can discuss together whether the retreat will be suitable.

If you have any further questions, you can schedule a free 30-minute call with Jason via the "Schedule" tab above.

If you want a deep-dive into the Mahasi system, the Progress of Insight is a worthwhile read, although the shorter manual that focuses on the actual practice will be enough for this retreat.