Schedule of a day
Each retreat is conducted as follows:
On the day of your arrival
6:00 PM: Welcome and drinks
7:00 to 8:30 PM: Meditation session (followed by possible questions and answers).
Dayly
6:30 AM: Rising time.
7:00 to 8:00 AM: Meditation session.
8:00 to 9:00 AM: Breakfast break.
9:30 to 11:00 AM: Meditation session.
11:00 AM to 12:30 PM: Meal-preparation break and help in the kitchen – participation in various activities (with mindfulness).
12:30 to 3:00 PM: Lunchtime and rest.
3:00 to 6:30 PM: Participation in various activities with mindfulness (gardening, work on the farm, …)
7:00 to 8:30 PM: meditation session (followed by possible questions and answers).
Note: These schedules may be adjusted according to the teachings that are given.
We do not eat in the evening to keep the mind clear, in accordance with the Teachings of the Buddha.
Last day
6:30 AM: Rising time.
7:00 to 8:00 AM: Meditation session.
8:00 to 9:00 AM: Breakfast break.
9:30 to 11:00 AM: Meditation session.
11:00 AM to 12:30 AM: Meal-preparation and help in the kitchen. Beginning of big cleaning up in the Temple, the stairway, the bedrooms and all common areas (kitchen, dining-room, bathroom and toilets, hall and entrance).
12:30 PM: Lunchtime then finishing of the cleaning up, and departure.
Meditation sessions
The sessions usually start with short readings which help us integrate the meditation meaning in all its aspects. Instructions on the practice are provided regularly.
The main phase consists of the meditation practice.
At the end of each session we chant conclusion prayers and dedications.
After the last session, there will be a time for questions and answers as needed.
During retreats, we mainly chant in French and sometimes in Tibetan.
We use texts which are translated into French or written in phonetics when chanting is in Tibetan.
We prepare meals together and try to maintain mindfulness.
Participation in various activities
We produce our own organic vegetables in harmony with the teachings of the Buddha. This means that we try to preserve life, even the tiniest, as best we can. While developing mindfulness, we can participate in gardening and learn a lot about organic and natural gardening.
We participate in various tasks, for example, bringing in some wood, help in work to maintain the grounds and buildings, and sometimes help in building. That is why it is useful to bring clothes suitable for this kind of work.
Miscellaneous
During breaks between meditative sessions, it is possible to go for hikes in the mountains and during winter, it is also possible, with snowshoes, to walk along in silent and inspiring nature.
Relaxation is an essential part of meditation practice and our environment is especially favourable to this.