No previous experience is necessary. Just the wish to participate and practice, and the curiosity to see for yourself what meditation is all about. In all our activities, all the necessary instructions for practice and progress will be given throughout each session.

Of course. No previous experience is necessary. But if you prefer, you can contact me for a free individual introductory session with Zoom.

You can meditate in a chair. In cases where the body does not allow us to sit on a meditation cushion or stool, we can do so from a chair. Understand, respect and accept the limitations of the body, whatever the reason for not being able to sit on the floor.

The programme of activities at a meditation retreat, if you have never been on one before, may seem intense. But when you are in the middle of the retreat, everything runs very smoothly and flows without rushing. We always recommend not skipping any sessions to get the most out of the retreat, but if for some reason you can't participate in all them, that's fine.

No, the teachings given from the Dhiravamsa School of Meditation are not a religion, nor are they based on any belief system. All instructions are for practice and to achieve direct experience for oneself. See and understand for yourself whether the teachings are true or not, whether the instructions are correct or not. Each teaching is there to describe the map, but each one has to walk the path and see the reality for himself. It is a scientific system in which each one develops and cultivates his inner capacities to have enough mental clarity to see things as they really are and free ourselves from any illusion or cognitive error that distorts our perception or our belief about reality.

The School of Meditation is directed by Janine Jutima. For almost a decade, Janine accompanied Master Dhiravamsa on all retreats and meetings as his translator and disciple, as well as living with him on a day-to-day basis throughout those years. This has enabled her to deeply absorb the meditative energy and wisdom of a simple and simple life dedicated to the cultivation of the inner world and Metta love for all sentient beings. 

Since September 2021 he has continued to teach in meditation retreats and group meditation sessions with perseverance and enthusiasm to share the practice and continue to grow.

A meditation retreat is a place where we have the opportunity to take care of ourselves and grow. The programme we follow was designed by Master Dhiravamsa over more than 50 years, in which you will find a complete and balanced practice of sitting meditation, walking meditation, physical exercise (Qi Gong, yoga or any other), dharma study, healthy and nutritious vegetarian/vegan food, and good rest, in a natural and silent environment. The best conditions for a complete care of body and mind. 

Whether you are just starting out or have been meditating for many years, on a meditation retreat you will find the space to continue to deepen and discover the treasures within.

It is the opportunity to leave the outer world behind and enter the inner world on the path of awakening, which according to the Buddha has three pillars: study (pariyatti), practice (patipatti) and the fruits (pativeda) that come from study and practice, achieving fulfilment as human beings (with an elevated heart and a cultivated mind).

1. PARIYATTI: is the study of the dharma or self. It is the way through which we will go into the teachings of the Buddha, as taught by Master Dhiravamsa, to discern with clarity all the parts of which we are made and how they relate to each other, in order to understand and see who we are, and also to see the conditioning in which we are trapped, and thus see the path to liberation.
2. PATIPATTI: is the practice of gaining direct, experiential experience and understanding. Instructions and talks on meditation will be given in a clear and precise way, and above all useful to put into practice throughout the retreat. Focusing on the sutras of ânâpânasati (mindfulness on the breath), satipatthana (the four foundations of mindfulness) and Mettâ (universal and unconditional love and best wishes).
3. PATIVEDA: are the results, or fruits of study and practice.

1. To sit on: Zafu (or meditation cushion); stool; chair

2. A base for the knees: Zafuton; mat; folded blanket...

3. Other:

• Comfortable clothes.
• A blanket to cover yourself or a thin cloth if it is hot.
• Thick socks or slippers for walking meditation in case it is done in the meditation hall and the floor is cold.
• Personal belongings
• A notebook and pens, for taking notes on the teachings and jotting down relevant insights or experiences.
• A bottle of water. Ask if it can be refilled in the room or if you need to bring it from home. In some places tap water is not drinkable and the organisation only provides water and drinks during meals.
• A set of white clothes in case you do the sacred meditation on the last day of the retreat.

The physical exercise (Chi Kung or Qi Gong), weather permitting, is done outdoors. In the mornings and evenings, depending on the time of year and the place where the retreat is held, it can get chilly, so it is recommended to bring comfortable clothes and some warm clothes and trainers.

Each retreat may have slight changes in the programme, depending on the group and the length of the retreat. We will adjust individually as we go along once the whole group is together.

Day 1. ARRIVAL:

From 16:00h - Arrival and settling in
19:00h - presentation and first sitting meditation
20:30h - dinner
21:45h - sitting meditation

2nd and consecutive days:

6:30h - Getting up
7:00h - Qi Gong
7:30h - Sitting & Walking Meditation
9:00h - BREAKFAST + Mindful Rest

10:30h - Qi Gong
11:30h - Sitting and Walking Meditation
13:30h - LUNCH + Mindfulness Break

16:00h - Sitting Meditation
17:00h - Dharma Talk
18:45h - Qi Gong / Walking Meditation
19:30h - Sitting Meditation
20:30h - DINNER + Conscious Relaxation

21:45h - Mantra Chanting and Sitting Meditation
23:00h - Rest

Last day:

6:30h - Get up
7:00h - Qi Gong
7:30h - Sitting and Walking Meditation
9:00h - BREAKFAST + Mindful Break

10:30h - Guided Mettâ Meditation
11:30h - Questions and answers or Wheel of Sharing
13:30h - LUNCH 

15:00h - END