Attending closely to the breath, in the spirit of the Buddha’s original instructions, offers a deeply embodied way of practice. Through this careful, curious inquiry, participants can discover a broad range of insights into the realities of body, mind, and life. Along the way, familiar themes from vipassanā practice may arise, including impermanence, equanimity, and letting go. At the same time, insight can also deepen through bodily relaxation, joy, well-being, faith, inspiration, and an opening into emptiness.
This retreat will center on the sixteen breath-based trainings of ānāpānasati, with particular attention to how embodied insight is supported at every stage. Clear seeing unfolds alongside settling and calming (samatha). As attention becomes more unified and skillful (samādhi), contemplation naturally grows stronger and more refined. The four foundations of mindfulness are developed through these sixteen trainings, and in turn they give rise to the seven factors of awakening (bojjhaṅga). This practice matures into true knowing (vijjā) and liberation (vimutti).
Each day will include guided meditation designed to support a full exploration of ānāpānasati and its many possibilities. Teachings will illuminate the healing and contemplative dimensions of the practice, while Dhamma talks will reflect on the essential principles of the Buddha-Dhamma that help loosen suffering and release us from affliction. Qigong will bring movement and healing energy into the body-mind, complementing the breath practice. Cloud Mountain’s safe, welcoming, and beautiful setting also supports mindfulness and clear seeing. Participants will enjoy wholesome living, healthy food, noble silence, and the shared energy of community practice. Santikaro will be available for one-on-one and small-group practice interviews.
Suggested reading:
Experience Requirement: Prior experience with breath-based meditation is required, along with completion of at least one 6-day silent residential Buddhist meditation retreat, or several shorter retreats.
Partial attendance is not available. Please also consider joining only if your current life circumstances allow you to take part in an important modern renunciation practice: remaining offline and avoiding phone and text communication for the full duration of the retreat, with limited exceptions for urgent family matters.
CURRENT PUBLIC HEALTH & SAFETY PROTOCOLS:
Cloud Mountain continues to maintain public health and safety measures. Requirements vary by season, though some level of masking remains part of the retreat protocol.
SCHOLARSHIP INFO
Scholarship funds are available for all retreats to support participants facing financial difficulty. Please refer to the Scholarship section of the overview information for details.
SPECIAL NOTES
This retreat is intended for experienced students.
RETREAT COST
Generosity Tier : $ plus dana offerings to teacher(s) and staff
Base Tier : $ plus dana offerings to teacher(s) and staff
Subsidized Tier : $ plus dana offerings to teacher(s) and staff
In keeping with Buddhist tradition, none of the registration fee goes to the teacher(s). Participants are encouraged to offer teacher dāna at the event to support their livelihood. Dāna means generosity, or freely offered giving, and more information about this gift-based economy is available on the Donation page.
Located within the Main Building, this shared room offers a simple, comfortable setting designed with ease and accessibility in mind. Situated on the ground level, it is one of the sleeping rooms that can be especially suitable for guests with special physical needs or mobility limitations.
For added convenience, the room includes its own sink and toilet, helping create a practical and independent stay experience. Its layout supports a calm, uncomplicated atmosphere, making it a thoughtful choice for visitors who value functionality and accessibility during their time at the retreat.
Whether you are joining for rest, reflection, or a wellness program, this room provides the essentials needed for a peaceful stay in a shared accommodation setting.
BioSantikaro is a Buddhist teacher who sees mindfulness and meditation as essential parts of the noble path toward awakening and wholeness. His practice and teaching are rooted in the discourses of Early Buddhism, inspired by his beloved teacher, Ajahn Buddhadasa Bhikkhu. He trained as a Theravada monk for 19 years and studied with Ajahn Buddhadasa for 9 years, serving as...
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Price
On request
Fri, Sep 24 – Thu, Oct 7