Four Foundations of Mindfulness

The Buddha’s original teachings on mindfulness are the inspiration for this weekend retreat with Ineke Smits and Elske van de Hulst.

During this retreat, you will explore the original Four Foundations of Mindfulness as described by the Buddha. These foundations go far beyond the more familiar Western understanding of mindfulness. In the early Buddhist teaching, mindfulness of breath, feeling, mind, and phenomena creates the essential basis for practicing the Four Genuine Restraints, which encourage us to let go of what is unhelpful and cultivate what supports us. Before we can choose wisely, we need a clear awareness of what is truly happening in our experience. Makes sense, right?

“Meditation brings wisdom; lack of meditation leaves ignorance. Know well what leads you forward and what holds you back, and choose the path that leads to wisdom.” Buddha

Throughout the weekend, you will be invited to investigate these four foundations in your own direct experience. The program combines meditation and self-observation exercises with Kum Nye Tibetan movement practices that support relaxation and clarity. Group sharing will help deepen understanding of both your own experience and that of others.

This retreat is part of the nine-month program Dharma as a Guide, taught in weekly Dutch-language classes at NCN Amsterdam. It is also open to anyone who is curious about the structure of their inner experience. Everyone is welcome, and no prior meditation experience is required.