5-day Silent Meditation Retreat

Set everything aside, retreat from the world, break free from habitual energies, enter into Noble Silence, and reemerge with greater peace, grounded presence, clarity,  happiness and wisdom.

Spend 5 peaceful days at a Temple-stay retreat, a tranquil sanctuary tucked away from the hustle and bustle of city life.. Entering a retreat is a wonderful doorway into understanding yourself and experiencing the deep, peaceful stillness within.

Turn your mind inwards, develop insights to awaken to your true nature, and learn how to live every moment deeply by weaving mindfulness and compassion into your daily life.

RETREAT EXPERIENCE

Experience the mind of emptiness, awaken to your true nature and open your heart to discover the true relationship between you and the world. All here within Singapore in a rare temple retreat!

Join us for 5 days of silent meditation, chanting sessions with the Abbot, wisdom teachings (also known as Dharma talks), 1-1 meetings with the Teacher for personalized guidance, and me-time for relaxing in the tranquil setting of the temple.

We will be practising Zen and Insight Meditation (samatha-vipassana), an ancient practice stemming from the Buddha over 2,600 years, which has been proven to be very powerful in transforming the mind and ending mental suffering.

Outside of the meditation mat, we will also learn how to live mindfully by incorporating zen into every moment of life. Thus transforming our preconceived mundane experience of life into a deep enjoyment of living fully in the present moment.

There is no meditation experience necessary for this retreat, and it is open to everyone, regardless of religious background, age, gender identity and expression. All are welcome!

ABOUT THE TEACHER

Dhammakamo (DK) is a meditation teacher, mindfulness coach, spiritual mentor, corporate well-being consultant, writer and former buddhist monk for half a decade. DK has travelled extensively to learn from various teachers and traditions to master the pragmatic application of ancient wisdom, having spent most of his time practising in the Thai Forest Tradition and Plum Village Zen Monastery in France. He has also attended multiple retreats in Dharamsala to study with Tibetan masters, having received 1:1 guidance from many tantric masters, notably Denma Locho Rinpoche, State-Oracle Khadro-la and Lama Zopa Rinpoche.

TESTIMONIALS

"The time and space in this retreat allowed me to truly experience the essence of what it means to be here and now, in the present moment. I realise now that my intellect experiences are only the surface layer of reality, just as the words we read are mere labels. So much gratitude for the spiritual guidance from the abbot and DK, and the support of the Sangha!" 

- Siok Khoon

"My first meditation retreat - meditation is the best public secret ever!

And I will integrate it into my day to day life - it's about time to give myself hugs and turn compassion inwards!"

- Salah Mustafa

"This retreat gave me the space and silence to meditate deeper. I liked that at the beginning of the retreat, DK asked us to let go of our identities and just be. I enjoyed the Dharma teachings very much, it was a good reminder towards certain things I've applied in my life. DK's quote on the importance to also offer my absence towards people so that they can grow resonated with me a lot. The schedule allowed me to have enough tie to rest and meditate. Learning about the mudra 'compassion over wisdom' is a takeaway that I will work on. Grateful to DK, the cool abbot and the Sangha!" 

- Chloe Padirac

"This retreat to me turned out to be about battling obstacles I've set up for myself. It reinforced the message that there is strength in being flexible. To be able to switch around, to find the right technique, approach, philosophy for that moment without losing sight on the goal.

It felt wonderful to meet such a motley crew of people.  A very diverse lot with a common hunger - to better ourselves spiritually and hopefully, our lives."

- Sheung

Retreat Details:

27 - 31 January 2021

Buddhaguna Buddhist Temple @ 27 Jln Senyum, Singapore 418151

Retreat check-in time will be from 5pm onwards on the 27th January 2021. We ask that all participants arrive promptly by 7pm so you have time to settle in before the retreat orientation.

Retreat check-out will be after lunch on 31 January 2021.

For more information, kindly contact hello@thehermitagezen.com

Investment:  $994.23 (Singapore Dollars)

Diamond / Platinum Patrons: $750 (Singapore Dollars) , excluding processing fee

Price includes all meals (veg and non-veg options) and accommodation within the newly-renovated temple.

Keeping in line with Covid Safe Management Measures, we are only able to accommodate up to a maximum of 10 stay-in participants for this retreat. Kindly contact us directly at thehermitagezen@gmail.com should you wish to sort out your own accommodation.

Accommodation will be in fully-airconditioned rooms (shared occupancy) within the temple building, with separate rooms for both genders. PLEASE READ 'RETREAT GUIDELINES' BELOW.

A huge part of the proceeds from this retreat will be donated to the temple.

‘RETREAT GUIDELINES’

As part of your practice on retreat, we ask you to support the retreat's atmosphere by refraining from sexual activity and drinking alcohol or consuming drugs, and following the 8 precepts. The first 5 of the precepts are ethical and mindfulness trainings that remind us to bring happiness and meaning into everything that we do. You can read the translation By Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh.

The additional 3 precepts are to:

- refrain from eating after midday (but if you are unwell or very hungry, light snacks and refreshments are allowed.) This is an opportunity to let go of emotional eating.

- refrain from dancing, singing,  listening to music, distracting myself from entertainments, wearing garlands, using perfumes, and beautifying the body with cosmetics.

- refrain from lying on a high or luxurious sleeping place.

The last 3 precepts are aspirations undertaken by retreatants worldwide to help reduce worldly distractions and focus their energies into developing their meditation and mindful-wisdom. This also gives us a glimpse into the humble, simple lifestyles of the enlightened sages, whose teachings we are following.

Sample Retreat Schedule:

4:30am - Morning Bell

5:00am - Meditation

5:30am - Chanting + Meditation

6:30am - Breakfast

8:00am - Karma Yoga

9:00am - Meditation Teachings

10:30am - Meditation (sitting + walking)

12:00pm - Lunch break

2pm - 4:30pm - Personal Practice / 1-on-1 interviews with Teacher

4:00pm - Tea Break

5:30pm - Dharma Sharing

6:30pm - Chanting + Meditation

8:00pm - Q&A, Discourse, or other sangha practices

9:30pm - Return To Room

10:00pm - Lights Out

Health

Although mindfulness has been known to lessen anxiety, aid depression and improve general wellbeing, we urge all retreatants to continue any medication or treatment prescribed by your health care practitioner during your stay.

If you suffer from any chronic long term mental or physical illnesses, please let us know, and ask your doctor if it is advisable for you to attend a retreat with us. Please be aware that we cannot provide any professional care. If you have any concerns regarding this matter please ask us for clarification.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

By registering and booking for this retreat, you:

1- hereby agree to abide by the rules and instructions and will co-operate fully with the organisers. Failing which, you accept that your participation for/ and at the retreat can be prematurely terminated.

2- hereby consent to the collection and use of the above personal data by 'The Hermitage Zen', its authorised representatives or third parties, for the purposes of (a) verifying your identity; (b) responding to, handling, and processing queries, requests, applications, registrations, complaints, and feedback from you; (c) processing payment or credit transactions; (d) stay in contact with you to remain a source of support during your learning journey; (e) keep you updated of future products, services and promotions.

3- hereby agree that you shall not hold the organisers, Buddhaguna Buddhist Temple, or the teacher(s) liable for any loss or damage sustained to body, life and/or property or expenses incurred however caused arising from your voluntary participation in the said event.

4- hereby acknowledge that videos and photos will be taken and used for educational, marketing, commercial and promotional purposes by The Hermitage Zen and its organiser(s).