This is a unique chance to study with an internationally recognized master of Buddhist meditation

Dhammadipa who is close to 70 years old, has a vast experience within a variety of Buddhist traditions. He has an impressive academic background within literature, philosophy and languages and has been a meditation practitioner for more than 40 years. Dhammadipa teaches regularly at Hong Kong university, Prague University and International Buddhist Academy, Kathmandu. He speaks six languages fluently and is a translator of Buddhist texts from Sanskrit, Pali and Chinese. His wide experience as a practitioner within diverse Buddhist traditions makes him a rare teacher and lecturer. Above you can see a video in which he explains his approach to Buddhism.

Dhammadipa's greatest strength is his ability to guide students towards a deep transformative experience in meditation by leading them step by step past the superficial and restless fluxations of the mind and towards a deeper understanding of its innate nature, its lucidity and awareness.

Who is this retreat for?

This retreat addresses all those who seek a deeper understanding of meditation and who are prepared to learn step by step from an experienced master. During the week you will get a chance to have personal interviews with Dhammadipa as well as attend daily lectures on themes such as Abhidharma (the higher teachings of the Buddha), the nature and structure of our minds and practical approaches to meditation. This will provide a clear guidance and an understanding of the theoretical foundation of meditative practice. Days will commence early with seated meditation, walking meditation, Qi Gong and yoga. There will be 3-4 meditation sessions per day plus additional lectures and Q&A-sessions.

This is a retreat for you who want a precise introduction to meditation or a deepening of your existing meditation practice. Dhammadipa is a much sought after and internationally renowned teacher. This is the second time he visits Norway and providing a rare occasion for learning meditation from a master.

The daily schedule will consist of teachings, sitting meditation sessions, walking meditation, karma yoga, and question and answer sessions. Dhammadipa will be accompanied in the retreat by his assistant Dhammarama, who will help facilitate daily Chi Gong sessions, which will make it easier to get in touch with the subtler aspects of body and mind.

Ellen Johannesen (retreat assistant)

Ellen Johannesen has been studying Buddhist philosophy and Tibetan language for almost a decade. She first spent three years in Namdroling Monastery, Southern India to participate in volunteer work and monastic life, before moving to Kathmandu to embark on formal academic studies. She is currently working on a master's degree in Tibetan translation at the Rangjung Yeshe Institute, Kathmandu.

Ellen is also a respected yoga teacher who holds a Level II authorization in Ashtanga from KPJAYI, Mysore. She teaches workshops that combine yoga and Buddhist thought internationally and also conducts retreats and pilgrimages in the Kathmandu Valley.

During this retreat, Ellen will lead the introduction to the retreat on the day of arrival and also lead the sitting meditation on the final morning of the retreat.

www.ashtanganepal.com

Schedule

The daily schedule consists of lectures, sitting meditation sessions, walking meditation, karma yoga and question and answer sessions.

The retreat starts at 6 pm on July 10, when Ellen Johannesen will welcome you and introduce you to the course structure and give you details about the session times. Dinner will follow at 7 pm. You can arrive and check in from 15:00 to 19:00. If you arrive outside of these hours, please let us know in advance.

The program usually starts at 5 am with a short Qi Gong session, and is followed by several sessions of quiet sitting or walking meditation. We serve three delicious vegetarian / vegan meals a day, at 09:00, 13:00 and 19:00 in silence. The day ends with a question and answer session where you are allowed to ask questions that may arise during the process.

July 17, Ellen closes the retreat, and you check out of the rooms by 11:00 am. Breakfast and lunch are served that day. If you wish to leave earlier after breakfast and have packed lunches, you must notify your reception upon arrival, or at least 1 day before departure.

Price per person

Group room (max 3 guests): NOK 7790,- (without VAT: NOK 7192,-)

Single room: NOK 9890 ,- (without VAT: NOK 9067,-)

Price includes:

Accommodation for 7 nights at shared or single room at Nøsen Yoga og Fjellhotell
All lectures, meditation and technique classes
Three healthy vegetarian meals a day
Complementary tea and coffee
Linen and towels