Vipassana Silent Meditation

VIPASSANA - 9/12 DAY SILENT MEDITATION RETREAT

2022

17 - 28 January - FULLY BOOKED

14 - 25 May

‘Riverheart Vipassana Retreat was the best experience I've ever had. Probably the most precious and important one of my entire life. It was difficult and exhausting but extremely rewarding. Everyone involved was just wonderful, Mike is an incredible teacher and an amazing human being. I always felt safe and comfortable having him guiding us through the week. The Olive branch is a beautiful place, the garden especially is a piece of art and the view of the surrounding mountains is astonishing. The food was nourishing and delicious, prepared by the most warm-hearted and caring woman. The schedule seemed well thought through, I don't have anything to compare it to though. However, Mike seemed to be well prepared and everything went so smoothly. I'm very very grateful to everyone for putting together such an outstanding retreat.' - July 2021 Vipassana Retreat Student

Vipassana is a meditation technique, taught by the Buddha over 2,600 years ago. The word Vipassana means to see clearly. Using a method of neutral self-observation we are able to see things as they truly are - rather than as we want them to be or are told they are.

The teachings of the Buddha go far beyond what is commonly thought of as meditation, by methodically and systematically guiding the practitioner to the very root level of human existence. During this process, insights are revealed which illuminate our true nature, giving practitioners a useful tool in understanding themselves and the world around them. In our day to day lives, most of us are so occupied by external distractions - our job, partner, house, social obligations - that there is rarely an opportunity to step back and consider who we really are. Often it is only when a crisis or nervous breakdown strikes that we start to wonder if perhaps there is something we have been missing. Vipassana gives us an opportunity to step away from our surface-level existence, and to undertake a thorough investigation into the mechanics of our body-mind relationship. In doing so, we not only gain a clear understanding of ourselves and others, but are also able to find refuge from the turmoil of an external world that we cannot control.

During our seven or ten-day silent retreats (allow for a day either side for arrival and departure), students will experience the liberating effects of the Dhamma (the wisdom conveyed by the Buddha’s teachings), guided by Riverheart co-founder and meditation teacher Mike Helmle. Held in a partner venue in the Ardales national park of southern Spain, the course has been carefully designed to provide a safe space in which meditators of all levels can dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to the practice. Stripped from all distractions and responsibilities, practitioners will be able to establish and maintain high levels of awareness and concentration - the ideal conditions for insights to unfold.

As a result, you can expect to experience more love, acceptance and compassion for yourself and all beings around you, and a level of self-understanding that will enable you to meet any challenges with a clear and open mind, body and heart.

Daily schedule

To ensure a deep and mind-opening retreat experience, we have created a schedule which allows our participants to let go of any need for decision making and fully immerse themselves in the practice of the teachings. Each day follows the same simple and clear routine, where everything needed to dedicate one’s attention towards the inner landscape of the self is provided; a schedule which allows the mind to slow down and fine-tune itself towards the most subtle layers of perception.

04:00am - Wake up bell
04:00 - 04:30 a.m. - Morning activities
04:30 – 05:15 a.m. - Sitting meditation
05:15 – 06:15 a.m. - Chanting / Mindful yoga
06:15 – 07:00 a.m. - Sitting meditation
07:00 – 08:30 a.m. - Breakfast / Chores
08:30 – 09:30 a.m. - Meditation instructions
09:30 – 10:15 a.m. - Walking meditation
10:15 – 11:00 a.m. - Sitting meditation
11:00 – 13:00 p.m. - Lunch / Rest
13:00 – 13:45 p.m. - Walking meditation
13:45 – 14:30 p.m. - Sitting meditation
14:30 – 15:15 p.m. - Walking meditation
15:15 – 16:00 p.m. - Sitting meditation
16:00 – 16:45 p.m. - Walking meditation
16:45 – 17:30 p.m. - Sitting meditation
17:30 – 19:00 p.m. - Refreshments / Interviews / Rest time
19:00 – 20:00 p.m. - Dhamma talk
20:00 – 20:45 p.m. - Walking meditation
20:45 – 21:30 p.m. - Sitting meditation
21:30 – 22:00 p.m. - Prepare to Sleep