Retreats
By definition, to “retreat” is the act of moving away or withdrawing from a situation when faced with danger or difficulty.
Hence the purpose of attending a retreat is to allow oneself space and the opportunity to take a step back from the onslaught of daily distractions, to recharge and regroup, with the aspiration to return to the world with a better perspective.
Whether on a solitary or group retreat, each person takes a road less travelled and journeys into personal discovery to explore a more enlightened way of being.
For most part of the year, Paramita Meditation Centre welcomes visitors who can choose to either practice with some form of guidance, or enjoy the freedom of personal introspection and meditation. As such, a daily retreat schedule is available to those who would like to follow the familiar rhythm traditional Buddhist monastics abide by in their practice.
Schedule
| 5.00 a.m. | Wake Up and Wash |
| 06.00 – 7.00 a.m. | Group Meditation (Main Hall) |
| 07.00 – 7.30 a.m. | Pooja (Meditation Hall) |
| 07.00 – 9.00 a.m. | Breakfast and Rest |
| 9.00 – 10.00 a.m. | Meditation instruction (Library) |
| Guided meditation (Main Hall) | |
| 10.00 – 12.00 a.m. | Individual Meditation |
| 12.00 – 01.00 p.m. | Lunch and Rest |
| 01.00 – 03.00 p.m. | Individual Meditation |
| 03.00 – 04.00 p.m. | Discussion / Interview (Library) |
| 05.00 – 06.00 p.m. | Yoga Video (Small Hall) |
| 06.00 – 07.00 p.m. | Group Meditation |
| 07.00 – 07.30 p.m. | Dinner |
| 08.00 – 09.00 p.m. | Dhamma Video (Dining Hall) |
Group Retreats
For larger groups from six to 20 persons, the Centre is able to customise retreat subject matter, engage experienced teachers in that area and plan schedules upon request. Please provide us with an advanced notice of at least 8 weeks ahead to make appropriate arrangements. Retreats usually are designed as five, seven or 10 days and beyond.
Ever so often, Paramita Meditation Centre also invites distinguished Buddhist teachers from all over the globe to set their own retreat intentions for all to participate in.
Puja
The striking of the wooden gong echoes starkly throughout the natural surroundings of Paramita Meditation Centre, signalling the start of puja.
Pujas are daily ceremonies of chanting and offering of light, incense and flowers to the Buddha. Pujas are performed three times a day in the Main Shrine and Meditation Hall. All are welcome to join in and it is optional.
This daily offering of light, incense and flowers to the Buddha is not only a mark of respect towards our Teacher, but also a consistent reminder to recognise and awaken the Buddha within us. In doing so, we to hope to bring forth the best versions of ourselves as we go through life.
This daily offering of light, incense and flowers to the Buddha is not only a mark of respect towards our Teacher, but also a consistent reminder to recognise and awaken the Buddha within us. In doing so, we to hope to bring forth the best versions of ourselves as we go through life.
On full moon or poya days, a special evening puja is conducted at 7pm, attracting hundreds of devoted followers from the villages around the Centre.
Retreats Offered at Paramita
- Basic Meditation Retreat
This retreat is the natural starting point if you’re new to Buddhist meditation. It aims to guide you along to experience the joy and benefits of meditation – starting with mindfulness of breathing and gradually presenting different types of meditation to cultivate tranquility, insight and loving kindness in the four basic postures. By engaging with a particular meditation practice you learn how to cultivate new, more positive ways of being. - Tranquility (Samatha) Meditation Retreat
Samatha or tranquility is considered to be a prerequisite of concentration and a preparation for insight (Vipassana) meditation. This retreat focuses on techniques which assist in calming the mind. One of the principal techniques taught by the Buddha for this purpose is mindfulness of breathing. With regular practice, the untamed mind gradually settles down into calmness and develops clarity. How our habitual mind works becomes more apparent to us and this increased awareness assists us in making better decisions to make the most of ourselves in our daily lives. - Insight (Vipassana) Meditation Retreat
Having discovered that the cause of suffering in life can be solved by seeing reality as it is, the Buddha taught Vipassana meditation, an insight into the three marks of existence: impermanence, unsatisfactoriness, and non-self. Insight meditation is concerned with the present moment by observing the one’s own body and mind, gradually purifying the mind and eliminating all forms of attachment. In this retreat, see yourself as you really are through contemplation, introspection and observations of bodily sensations, analytic meditation and life experiences. - Metta (Loving Kindness) Meditation Retreat
Metta meditation encourages a feeling of connection to the whole world. By cultivating Metta, we develop a warm heart. When we cultivate metta within ourselves, we feel relaxed, comfortable and at peace with all things. In this retreat, learn how to practice metta in daily life to overcome anger and resentment, and the benefits gained from doing so based on the Metta Sutta.