Mindfulness of breathing, or ānāpānasati, is frequently taught as the practice of simply bringing attention to a single point or quality of breath. However, the active minds of meditators today often fail to grow calm through this approach, and practice becomes more a burden than a joy. Relying on over a decade of practice in the Thai Forest tradition, Ajahn Nisabho describes an approach to breath meditation that works with, rather than against, the thinking mind. By conceiving of the breath as a broad energy permeating the body, pairing it with brightening practices such as loving-kindness, and situating it within a field of open awareness, practice may again become a respite from, rather than one more of, the day’s duties.

Ajahn Nisabho will offer talks, meditation instructions, and interviews. Ayya Soma, a bhikkhuni ordained in the Theravāda tradition and co-founder of Empty Cloud monastery, will also give a remote teaching. This retreat is suitable for meditators of all experience levels.

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.)