Mindfulness with Breathing (ānāpānasati) has been an important foundation practice throughout Buddhist history; many meditators have been exposed to it in some form. It serves as a comprehensive meditation system on its own and also as a support for many lovely practices. This retreat will explore the roots and potentials of ānāpānasati as originally outlined by Buddha in order to better serve as a foundation in our cultivation of the middle way, strengthening our daily practice of mindfulness, inquiry, serenity, letting go, and letting be.

Ānāpānasati is also a path of healing: physically and emotionally, along with spiritually. Those of us who explore the full potential of the Buddha’s original meditation system will find its fruits bringing vitality and joy to how we breathe, how we live through our bodies, how we experience emotions, the quality of our thinking, and clarity of seeing. There is much suffering in our world and wholesome ways to meet that suffering.

In addition to the ānāpānasati guidance I received from my teacher, I’ve been fortunate to learn Thai massage (southern style), qigong, Enneagram, and somatic experiencing touch skills. Over the years these have enhanced my appreciation of breathing and the possibilities of well-rounded meditation practice. I’ve enjoyed integrating these gifts within a rich palette of meditation skills.

This retreat will integrate these healing meditation practices with Buddhist teachings and ānāpānasati. Most of the healing meditations will be connected with breathing, thus reinforcing, expanding, and deepening the experience of breathing mindfully and compassionately. Yogis will find more resources in themselves and more confidence in shaping their own path of healing, composure, insight, kindness, and awakening.

Daily guided meditations will foster well-rounded exploration of ānāpānasati’s potential. Dhamma talks will reflect on the core principles of the Buddha-Dhamma that shape our practice and liberate us from being stuck in distress and suffering. Qigong will provide ānāpānasati with movement and healing energy throughout body-mind. The safe, friendly, and beautiful space that Cloud Mountain provides for retreat also contributes to healing. We will enjoy wholesome living, healthy food, noble silence, and 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: One residential, silent, Buddhist meditation retreat of at least 5 days.

Partial attendance is not offered on this retreat. Additionally, please consider attending this retreat only if your current life circumstances allow you to engage in an important modern renunciation practice of staying offline and off phone/text during the entire course of the retreat (some exceptions related to pressing family situations may be granted.)