Weekend Retreat
with Venerable Dhammajeewa, (Retreat with a Forest Monk)
The Forest Buddhist tradition was introduced by Venerable Maha Kashapa Maha Thero upon Buddha’s advice and guidance. This tradition is still maintained and followed by serious mediators. Venerable Dhammajeewa is a living example of this Forest tradition that we all are blessed to meet during this occasion.
When: May 14, 15, 16, and 17th
May 14th and 17th Optional (priority will be given to participants who will register for all days)
Location: Monks residence, Mankato, MN
Our Teacher:
Venerable Dhammajeewa Thero is a forest monk from Sri Lanka. Venerable Dhammajeewa Thero has being a highly acclaimed and a well-known meditation master for over eleven years. Presently, he is the head meditation instructor and the Abbot of Meetirigala Nissarana Vanaya, Sri Lanka, a monastery strictly devoted to the Forest Tradition. It was founded in 1968 and still maintains its status as one of Sri Lanka's most respected meditation monasteries.
Venerable Dhammajeewa has spent several years training under respected Ovadacariya Sayadaw U. Panditabivamsa, a leading Burmese meditation master. Venerable Dhammajiva Thero is fluent in Sinhalese, English and Burmese and has written several books on the meditation and Buddhist teachings. His recently published a book named “In this life itself,” which is about insight meditation (Vippassana meditation). This book is widely used as a practical guide for mindfulness meditation.
He regularly visits overseas on invitations from meditation groups living in UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada,U.S.A., etc. Many mediators from various regions of the world have claimed to have benefited immensely from achieving their spiritual goals through his instructions. The following websites illustrate his services and expertise.
Accommodations
It is traditional during retreats to accept accommodations assigned, to accept the food that is offered and practice with whatever situation one finds oneself in.
We will have limited accommodation available to those who are in need, (male participants may spend the night at the Monks’ residence and sleeping arrangements for female participants will be provided at our kind neighbor's house). You will need to share the space and common facilities with the other participant. If you like, you can find accommodation in nearbymotels which are just a few minutes away from our residence.
Simple/light vegetarian breakfast and a lunch will be served, and a light tea/snack will be served in the evening (if you need a full meal for supper you will have to arrange that on your own, otherwise a light snack will be provided). Retreat participants who are allergic to wheat and/or dairy products will be accommodated (if the special need is indicated on the registration form). Those with other dietary needs are encouraged to bring the necessary food items. Limited refrigerator space will be provided for participants with their own food items. There are no facilities to prepare/cook individual meals.
Attendance
Retreat participants are asked and strongly encouraged to start and end the retreat with the entire group. Any exceptions to this are only made by the teacher with special permission granted. Retreat manager will assign work-meditation tasks for retreat participants.
Ways to Support the Retreat
We believe these teachings are extremely valuable, thus assigning a value to these teachings is an impossible task. Therefore, this retreat is offered freely in the spirit of generosity. Yet, there are many opportunities open to practice your generosity by making a donation to Mankato Meditation Center at the end of the retreat, to support the teacher,towards the costs of the retreat (such as meals, traveling expenses for the teacher, and basic accommodation needs). Also prior to the retreat, participants and the community members of TGN have the opportunity to make a donation to be used for cost of the retreat.
It is an ancient Buddhist tradition for the community to joyfully support/nourish/feed people, Monks, and who ever engages in intensive spiritual practice, thereby practicing in their good effort. Therefore, we present you with the opportunity to practice your good effort, by sponsoring a meal/s for Monks, retreat participant or for all parties during the retreat.
Monetary donations can be presented in-person at Monks Residence, by mail, or via internet. Please send your donations by mail to: PO box 323, St Peter, MN, 56082. Please make checks payable to Triplegem Of The North. You can also leave a donation during our weekly Meditation classes, in the envelope/dana backset labeled as - for retreat groceries.
Registration is required by May 3rd, Space is limited for 25 people.
Retreat Schedule
7.00 am Offering to Buddha
7.30 am -8.15 am Breakfast
8.15 am – 9.00 AM Precept observation and basic instructions/guide lines
9.00- 9.30 AM Meditation
9.30- 9.45 AM tea break
9.45- 11.15 AM Group sitting and teaching
11.15- 12.45 PM Lunch break and private time
12.45-1.30 PM Walking meditation.
1.30-2.30 PM Dhamma talk
2.30- 3.30 PM Walking meditation & tea break/ Interviews
3.30- 4.30PM Group sitting
4.30- 5.00 PM Walking meditation
5.00- 6.00 PM Group sitting
6.00- 7.00 PM Q&A session.
** Friday and Saturday retreat will be begin at 8.15 am.
Register Now or Call (612) 216 4854 Email us info@triplegem.org