Though the Buddha repeatedly emphasized joy, or pāmojja, as an essential aspect of the path to awakening, many of us find our sitting practice anything but, and retreats, well, a little depressing. The narrow techniques often taught in meditation circles conceive of practice as a dry exercise that fails to interest and calm the active minds of modern practitioners. By exploring different routes to joy (paths to pāmojja), especially those emphasizing meditation on breath, loving-kindness, and objects of faith, the retreat aims to help participants rediscover happiness in their practice… in a non-depressing way.

Ajahn Nisabho and Ajahn Kovilo will offer talks, meditation instructions, and interviews. This silent 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.)