Contemplation Embraced With Breathing

Attending carefully to the in-breath and out-breath through the Buddha’s original instructions opens the door to a broad understanding of life, body, and mind. With curiosity and care, this retreat invites participants to examine the many interconnected processes that arise around breathing. Alongside familiar vipassanā themes such as impermanence, equanimity, and letting go, insight may also deepen through bodily relaxation, joy, well-being, and the cultivation of subtler qualities of heart and mind.

This retreat explores the sixteen breath trainings taught by the Buddha, with special attention to how insight is supported at every stage. Clear seeing unfolds together with settling and calming (samatha). As attention gathers more steadily and skillfully (samādhi), contemplation becomes stronger and more profound. The four foundations of mindfulness are developed through these sixteen trainings and, in turn, naturally nourish the seven factors of awakening (bojjhaṅga). Particular emphasis will be given to supporting these seven factors as presented in the Buddha’s key discourse on mindfulness with breathing (MN 118).

Daily guided meditation sessions will support a full exploration of the potential of ānāpānasati. Teaching sessions will illuminate the contemplative possibilities within the practice, while Dhamma talks will reflect on essential principles of the Buddhadhamma that shape practice and help free us from affliction and suffering. Qigong will bring movement and healing energy into the breath practice, supporting body and mind together. The safe, friendly, and beautiful setting at Cloud Mountain also contributes to mindfulness and clear seeing. Participants will enjoy wholesome living, healthy food, noble silence, and a shared community of practice. Santikaro will be available for one-on-one and small-group practice interviews.

Suggested reading:

• Mindfulness with Breathing: a manual for serious beginners, Buddhadāsa Bhikkhu (Wisdom, 1988)

Experience Requirement: Prior experience with breath-based meditation and completion of at least one 6-day silent, residential Buddhist meditation retreat, or several shorter retreats, is required.

Partial attendance is not available. Please consider joining only if your current life circumstances allow you to remain offline and off phone/text for the full duration of the retreat, as part of an important modern renunciation practice. Exceptions may be granted in urgent family situations.

CURRENT PUBLIC HEALTH & SAFETY PROTOCOLS:

Cloud Mountain maintains ongoing public health and safety measures. Protocols vary by season, and some level of masking remains an ongoing requirement on retreat.

SCHOLARSHIP INFO

Scholarship funds are available for all retreats to support those facing financial challenges. For more information, please refer to the Scholarship section of the overview information.

SPECIAL NOTES

This retreat is intended for experienced students.

RETREAT COST

Generosity Tier: $1795 plus dāna offerings to teacher(s) and staff

Base Tier: $1365 plus dāna offerings to teacher(s) and staff

Subsidized Tier: $1145 plus dāna offerings to teacher(s) and staff

Following in the Buddhist tradition, none of your registration fee will go to the teacher(s). Please consider offering teacher dāna at the event to support their livelihood. Dāna is a term for generosity, or freely offered giving.