Harmonious Cultivation: A Buddhist Meditation Retreat
with Amarasiri Bhikkhu (Tisarana Buddhist Monastery)
This retreat offers opportunities to delve into the transformative practices of Buddhist meditation, fostering inner peace, clarity, and compassionate connection. Titled "Harmonious Cultivation," this program emphasises the balanced development of mindfulness, wisdom, and wholesome qualities, guiding participants towards a more integrated and fulfilling way of being.
Through a structured yet flexible schedule, we will explore various meditation techniques drawn from the rich traditions of early Buddhism and the Thai Forest Tradition, including:
Connecting with Breath (Anapanasati): Cultivating present moment awareness through focused attention on the natural rhythm of the breath, leading to stillness and concentration.
Four postures of Meditation: Integrating mindfulness into movement as well as stillness, promoting embodied awareness and a deeper connection to the present moment.
Exploring boundlessness (Brahmavihara): Developing boundless love, compassion, empathetic joy, and equanimity towards oneself and all beings.
"Poo Roo, the one who knows" (Luang Pu Chah): Choiceless awareness and the liberating characteristic of not-self.
"It's like this & it all belongs" (Ajahn Sumedho): Observing the arising and passing away of mental and physical phenomena with wisdom and equanimity, leading to deeper understanding and liberation.
"Foreground & Background" (Ajahn Viradhammo): Bringing mindful awareness to different stimuli and understanding our habitual reactions to them, fostering relaxation and a greater sense of being-ness.
Beyond formal sitting and walking practices, the retreat will incorporate:
Dhamma Talks: Engaging discussions and teachings on core Buddhist principles, offering guidance and inspiration for practice and daily life.
Guided Meditations: Expert guidance to support your practice and deepen your experience.
Opportunities for Q&A: A supportive environment to explore questions and encourage personalised insights.
Mindful Living: Living with commitment and dedication to precepts, Sila as a way of life vis-vis a list of rules and observances.
Noble Silence: Periods of silence will be observed to foster inner stillness, reduce external distractions, and deepen the meditative experience.
"Harmonious Cultivation" is designed for both beginners curious about Buddhist meditation and experienced practitioners seeking to deepen their practice. This retreat provides a tranquil and supportive environment for cultivating inner harmony, clarity, and compassion, ultimately leading to a more awakened and peaceful existence.
Amarasiri Bhikkhu (formerly Siddarth Deepak) was born and raised in Chennai, India. His education and career led him to live in many parts of the world. Venerable Amarasiri moved to Toronto in 2009 and attended a Vipassana retreat in the Goenka Tradition where he was inspired by the teachings and practice of Theravada Buddhism. On his very first visit to Tisarana, his interaction with Ajahn Viradhammo impacted Ven. Amarasiri to commit to Theravadin Monastic life. He subsequently took Anagarika precepts on the 29th of November 2016, Samanera Precepts on 20th September 2017 and was accepted into the Bhikkhu Sangha on September 16, 2018, with Luang Por Viradhammo as Preceptor.
Important Details
When: Please plan to arrive between 3-5pm on the first day. The retreat will begin with a property orientation at 5:30pm followed by a light supper and the first evening class and will finish after lunch on the final day.
Rate: $414- non-members $375- members (includes
(To find out how to become a member please visit our membership page)
Rates include: Single accommodation and all meals. They do not include instructor fees. The teacher is sharing his/her experience within the traditional Buddhist understanding of Dana. To understand more about Dana, please read the following:
What is Dana? Teachers give the teachings of awakening (Dharma) freely so that anyone, no matter their financial means can attend classes. Each time one receives teachings, it is an opportunity to consciously practice generosity. Giving money and other means of support expresses gratitude and support to the teacher and helps to ensure that these teachings continue. Each person receiving Dharma teachings determines the kind and amount of Dāna according to one’s heart and one’s financial means. When deciding how much to offer, one should think about what these teachings mean to you and try to give accordingly. It is recommended that students make an offering of dāna at the beginning of a class or retreat to establish the intention to make the most of this opportunity for one’s own progression and for the benefit of all others.
Deposit: A 50% deposit is required to hold your space upon registration.
Cancellation Policy
All cancellations are subject to a $100 fee, which will support other low-income practitioners through our Practitioner Support Fund.
If cancellation occurs within 14 days of the retreat start date, 50% of the deposit (equivalent to 25% of the total retreat cost) will be forfeited. These funds will be directed to the Uplifted Property Fund to support the Renewal Project.