9 days silent summer retreat

Skogskloster Buddhistsamfunn would like to welcome you to the annual silent summer retreat at the monastery in Skiptvet, Lokuttara Vihara.

There will be daily sessions of Buddhist teachings and meditation practice led by Ajahn Khemasiri, and the retreat will, as usual, take place in silence.

Both new and familiar faces are welcome, but we recommend that participants have some previous meditation experience.

It is not possible to RSVP on meetup.com for this retreat. Please see link to the application form bellow.

DURATION
The retreat will begin on Saturday the 21th of June at 17:00, with practical information and orientation, and people are very welcome to arrive earlier and settle in. We ask that you have finished setting up your tent by this time.

The retreat will end on Sunday the 29th of June, after the meal, around 13:00.

Unfortunately it is not possible to register for only part of the retreat.

You are welcome to arrive the day before the retreat starts to get to know others and settle in.

You can also stay an extra day after the retreat for those who would like to stay on and settle back into the world more softly, to talk and get to know the other retreatants, to enjoy the forest, to get to know the monastery, or to keep meditating in solitude in the forest.

COST
The teachings and the accommodation are offered for free in accordance with the Theravada tradition, but donations to the monastery and/or voluntary work in the future are very welcome, please feel free to contribute as you see fit.

Lokuttara Vihara operates solely on volunteer work and donations, as well as the membership fees from individuals in Skogkloster Buddhistsamfunn. Generosity (Dana) is a fundamental aspect of Buddhist practice, and we encourage individuals to only take what they need and to give what they can. This inclusive approach allows for participation regardless of one's financial means.

Your contribution supports the ongoing operation and upkeep of Lokuttara Vihara. We invite everyone to visit the monastery at their convenience and to take part in the various retreats and events held throughout the year. We appreciate any support and involvement in our community.

COST OF MEALS
To ensure those on the waiting list have a chance to join if spaces become available, we'd prefer people not to cancel right before the retreat. We would like to offer as many people as possible to take part in the retreat.

To avoid late cancellations, the cost of meals will be charged and must be paid when the application for participation is accepted. One is not considered registered until this payment has been received. The amount will not be refunded if one cancels less than 4 weeks before the retreat.

The amount is NOK 1500. You will receive payment details when your application has been accepted.

If this payment would be a hindrance to take part in the retreat, please contact us so we can work something out.

Breakfast is offered at 07:00 and the main meal is at 11:00. There is also afternoon tea at 17:00 with cheese and dark chocolate.

ACCOMMODATION
The facilities are simple, and limited spaces are available.

The accommodation is based on camping. You must bring your own tent and everything you need for living outdoors for 9 days, and the monastery has many nice spots to set up tents.

All accommodation is gender separated.

There are showers available, but we kindly ask that you try to minimize your use out of consideration for the other participants and the environment.

There is no access to laundry facilities.

EIGHT PRECEPTS
All participants are expected to adhere to the “Eight precepts” throughout their entire stay at the monastery. Please refer to this site for a description of the precepts: https://www.accesstoinsight.org/ptf/dhamma/sila/atthasila.html.

LOCATION
Skiptvet buddhistkloster
Lundsveien 196
1816 Skiptvet

OTHER INFORMATION
The retreat is a silent retreat, which means that participants do not speak with each other during the retreat. This might be unfamiliar for those who have not tried it before, but experience shows that it is beneficial for the practice.

Mobile phones must either be handed in before the retreat or be in airplane mode throughout the retreat.

Please bring a clock that you can use as an alarm clock and to keep track of time. We kindly ask that you do not bring a mobile phone around the retreat.

If someone has to contact you during the retreat, there is an emergency number: 45868253.

The teachings will be given in English.

You can choose to sit either on a chair or on the floor.

QUESTIONS
Please email to retreats@skogskloster.no if you have any questions.

APPLY TO PARTICIPATE
Please complete the application form by visiting https://forms.gle/r8J8FPbBxhgkyBMLA. Those who apply to participate, but do not get a spot, can choose to be on a waiting list. Please see the last question in the application form.

In order for all participants of the retreat to have the best possible experience, we might contact those who submit an application by phone or email to clarify whether this retreat is suitable for them and to ensure that applicants know what to expect.

If you have limited experience with meditation and/or being in silence for extended periods of time, we would recommend you visit the monastery to become more familiar and perhaps even stay overnight. Please see https://www.lokuttara.net/about.

Everyone is welcome at the retreat regardless of religious affiliation or anything else!

Enjoy and relax, and don’t try too hard. We wish you a great retreat experience 🙂