Retreat is a time for people to come to the monastery and practice in a focused environment, allowing for the possibility of directly experiencing the Buddha’s teachings. Retreats vary in length from two to nine days, and most have a theme. Almost all are held in silence, with a good portion of each day devoted to silent meditation. Retreatants are required to follow the eight monastery precepts, including not eating after noon, and everyone is expected to participate in the full retreat schedule.

These elements combine to create an environment in which meditation practice and mindfulness can remain the priority. Retreats help cultivate a stronger, richer meditation practice.

If you’ve never attended a retreat at Bhavana before, the silence, meal schedule, and monastery rules may seem a bit daunting at first. What we’ve found, though, is that most people adjust quickly and have a positive experience. Retreats are an excellent place to deepen your practice, since you’re supported by fellow practitioners, teachers, and the structure of the retreat itself. The environment is designed to make it easy to relax and meditate without distraction.

A typical retreat includes six to eight hours of scheduled meditation time each day. Retreatants may divide this time among sitting, walking, and standing meditation in whatever way works best for them. Depending on the type of retreat, there will be one or more daily Dhamma talks, and some retreats also include interviews with teachers and group discussions on the retreat theme.

The rule against eating after noon is a monastic practice dating back to the time of the Buddha, most commonly observed by Theravada monks and nuns. Because a meditation retreat isn’t physically demanding, most people find that two high-quality meals a day are sufficient. Not eating late in the day also tends to reduce drowsiness and frees up more time for practice. Further details can be found on Bhavana’s Mealtime Practice page. If you have a medical reason for eating after midday, we can make an exception; please note this need when completing your Retreat Registration.

Silence and the monastery precepts free the mind in much the same way that an afternoon fast frees the stomach. Without the distraction of relating to others, attention can turn more easily inward. At the end of most retreats, silence is broken after the final lunch, and many participants stay to talk with fellow retreatants.

Because Bhavana retreats are run entirely by volunteer staff and residents, each retreatant is given a small daily work assignment, something simple such as vacuuming a room or helping with dishes. This mindfulness at work task helps integrate mindfulness into simple, everyday activity.

Bhavana offers both kutis, monastic-style cabins, and dorm-style residences. Housing is strictly separated by gender, as is seating in the meditation hall. Like much of the retreat structure, this arrangement supports undistracted, meaningful focus on meditation practice throughout the retreat.