Attending to breathing in and out using the Buddha’s original instructions fosters a wide range of insights into the realities of mind-body. With care and curiosity, we explore with these important mind-body processes that are all associated with breathing. While some of these are familiar to the traditional language of vipassanā, such as impermanence, equanimity, and letting go, insight also ripens with the relaxing of body processes, with joy and well-being, and with the cultivation of more subtle qualities of mind.

This retreat will explore the 16 breath-related trainings taught be the Buddha (ānāpānasati), with special emphasis on how insight is facilitated each step of the way. Such clear seeing is accompanied by settling and calming (samatha). As attention gathers ever more skillfully (samādhi), contemplation strengthen and deepens. The 4 areas of life for establishing mindfulness are accomplished through these 16 trainings and in turn naturally cultivate the 7 components of waking up (bojjhaṅga). We will give special attention to fostering the 7 as described in the Buddha’s primary discourse on mindfulness with breathing (MN 118).

Daily guided meditations will foster well-rounded exploration of ānāpānasati’s potential. Explanations of them will unpack the insight opportunities of ānāpānasati. Dhamma talks will reflect on the core principles of the Buddha-Dhamma that shape our practice and liberate from being stuck in affliction 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 mindful comprehension and clear seeing. 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: Experience with breath-based mediation and having completed at least one 6-day silent, residential, Buddhist meditation retreat or multiple shorter retreats.

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.)