Boundless Nature of Being – Summer retreat
Friday 4 July – Sunday 13 July at Retreat centre Abhayaloka
Of all objective supports the essential original nature is boundless.
Of all beings likewise the essential original nature is boundless.
What would life be like, if we lived from a direct knowing of ourselves and others as ‘boundless’? This meditation retreat will experientially explore teachings from the Ratnaguṇa-saṃcayagāthā – a classic Perfection of Wisdom text. It invites us to become more intimate with the texture of experience, and to open out into a world of beauty, ease, and spontaneous appreciation. Then we experience ourselves and all beings more and more as we truly are – ‘boundless’.
This meditation retreat will include presentations, meditation reviews, ritual, experiential and non-conceptual ways of getting closer to experience, and several days of silence. This retreat is for people who have practiced with Triratna for a while and know the two meditation methods taught in Triratna.
Maitrisiddhi is an experienced dharma and meditation teacher who lives and teaches at Taraloka retreat centre in the UK.
Typical Daily Programme
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 6:30 | Wake up |
| 7:00 | Meditation |
| 8:00 | Meditation |
| 9:00 | Breakfast |
| 10:30 | Introduction, group discussion, meditation |
| 13:00 | Lunch, then free time for walks etc. |
| 16:00 | Introduction, group discussion, meditation |
| 18:00 | Supper |
| 20:00 | Puja etc. ritual |
Guideline program for all retreats; the schedule may vary slightly based on the theme of the retreat.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the retreat start and end?
Retreats generally start on the evening of the first day at 6 PM and end on the last day at 3 PM.
Are pets allowed?
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed at Abhayloka (with the exception of guide dogs).
Do I need to have previous experience with meditation?
We recommend that you have either attended the open evenings at the Triratna Buddhist Centre or participated in the center’s basic meditation course before coming to Abhayaloka for the first time.
What should I bring with me?
Please bring bed linens/sleeping bag and a towel with you. In winter, it’s a good idea to prepare with warm clothing. During the retreat, there is often an opportunity to go for a nature walk, so it’s advisable to have weather-appropriate clothing/shoes.
How is accommodation arranged?
The retreat center has facilities for approximately 25 people. Accommodation is in rooms with 1 to 6 beds.
What kind of food is offered?
All food at the retreat is vegan, which we prepare together. In addition, cheese will be available for those who want it. We provide gluten-free crispbread and rice cakes, but if you want fresh gluten-free bread, please bring it with you.
How do I get to Abhayaloka?
Arrival by public transport:
Several buses come from Helsinki, departing from the Kamppi bus station. There are no direct connections at the moment. The travel time is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours. The stop to get off at is Järventaustan th, the third stop after the center of Läyliäinen. Abhayaloka is about 3 km from there towards Hevosoja, on the right side of the road, in a large yellow wooden house. You can inform us of your arrival time, and we will try to pick you up from that junction.
For people traveling from abroad there will be arrangements to travel together from Helsinki to Abhayaloka.
Arrival by car:
The retreat center is 67 km from Helsinki, 136 km from Tampere, 175 km from Turku, and 29 km from Riihimäki. There are parking spaces available for those arriving by car.
Where to Find Us
The retreat center operates in the old village school of Järventausta in Läyliäinen, Loppi, by the shores of Lake Loppi.
Arriving at Abhayaloka
Abhayaloka
Triratna Buddhist Centre Helsinki Retreat Centre
Järventaustantie 816
12600 Läyliäinen
Tel. +358 50 318 8621
(Phone operational only during retreats)
Arrival by public transport:
Several buses come from Helsinki, departing from the Kamppi bus station. There are no direct connections at the moment. The travel time is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours. The stop to get off at is Järventaustan th, the third stop after the center of Läyliäinen. Abhayaloka is about 3 km from there towards Hevosoja, on the right side of the road, in a large yellow wooden house. You can inform us of your arrival time, and we will try to pick you up from that junction.
For people traveling from abroad there will be arrangements to travel together from Helsinki to Abhayaloka.
Arrival by car:
The retreat center is 67 km from Helsinki, 136 km from Tampere, 175 km from Turku, and 29 km from Riihimäki. There are parking spaces available for those arriving by car.