Meditation Retreats

In the Insight tradition of Theravada Buddhism, which originates in Southeast Asia, there are two complementary practices that together offer a path of rich exploration and transformation, Vipassana and Metta.

Insight is one translation for the word Vipassana, which literally means "seeing into". By bringing our attention to the changing nature of all phenomena we begin to grasp the truth that everything is subject to the laws of impermanence. Insight meditation is a simple and direct way to develop the heart and mind. By observing the changing sensations that accompany the movement of the breath, by noticing the various mental states that pass through the mind, we begin to cultivate a non-reactive and compassionate response to life.

Loving-Kindness or Metta meditation is the practice of connecting with one's own basic goodness, as well as the goodness of others. By seeing all that is good in ourselves, we  begin cultivating the wish for one's own happiness and well-being and then extend that wish in all directions. This leads to a greater and greater appreciation of the connectedness of all beings.