-
We are living in the age of distraction, where we're all used to constant levels of stimulation and mental business. It is rare to enjoy moments of inner stillness. As a result we may find it difficult to simply be happy and enjoy life. We can begin to reverse this situation simply by transforming our mind through meditation.
In meditation retreat we are provided with perfect conditions for developing and deepening profound states of inner peace that are the main cause of happiness.
In this retreat, Gen Kelsang Dragpa will present inspiring instructions from the book How to Transform Your Life that are practical methods to improve our human nature and our inner peace.
By putting them into practice we gradually be able to solve our own and others' problems and we will experience a greater sense of wellbeing and inner peace. This is the greatest gift we can give to ourself and others.
-
Everyone is welcome
The retreat is suitable for both beginners and people with more experience. You don’t need to identify as Buddhist to join.
The retreat guided in English
-
In a busy and active everyday life, it can be difficult to find the peace and quiet that supports the development of a happy and peaceful mind. In order to find balance in life again, some retreat to peaceful and quiet surroundings for a short time to renew their energy and create a supportive environment for inner peace - in short, they go on retreat.
On retreat, we devote time to meditation and reflection. It is a time to become familiar with positive and meaningful thoughts and the deep happiness that comes as a result of this exploration. When we focus our spiritual practice in this way, we begin to discover the natural clarity and spaciousness of the mind. This enables us to easily deepen our meditation practice.
By practicing the systematic meditation exercises found in Buddhism, we develop inner wisdom, a warm and loving mind and the happiness of inner peace. Through these methods we will eventually achieve enlightenment.
In short, retreat gives you the time and space to focus your mind on the happy and joyful states we all long for and experience for yourself the enormous benefits that can be gained from meditation practice. By working with your mind in such perfect conditions, the retreat is an ideal way to elevate your spiritual practice and daily life to a new level.
Why go on retreat?
The benefits of retreat are limitless and can hardly be expressed in words. Through training in concentration, the body and mind will become very supple and flexible, and we will experience a deep inner peace. Since the exercises are motivated by the desire to benefit both ourselves and others, our love grows and we develop loving thoughts for others.
During the retreat we learn to understand our own mind and recognize which states of mind lead to happiness and which lead to suffering. Here we find the strength to overcome negative states of mind and to promote positive states of mind.
When we are on retreat it is a particularly favorable time to receive deep inspiration. If we patiently practice meditation, the mind will gradually become more peaceful, and we will experience a sense of inner peace and contentment.
As the turmoil of distracting thoughts subsides and our thoughts become quiet, a deep happiness and contentment naturally arises from within.
-
To help us concentrate on our inner practice we will maintain silence in the mornings until lunch.
“When the turbulence of distracting thoughts subsides and our mind becomes still, a deep happiness and contentment naturally arises from within."
Ven. Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche, How to Transform Your Life.
-
During the retreat there is time every day to relax, cycle, canoe or walk in the beautiful forest.
There is a library with books you can borrow to read as well as a bookstore.
In order to run the course as best as possible, each participant also has one area they choose to help with on a daily basis, with washing up after meals or cleaning the hallway or the like.
It is only a 5 minute walk to the nearest swimming at the boathouses where you can swim or watch the amazing sunsets.
It is a short bike ride to sandy beaches and forest walks such as at Tjärnö church (2 km) and Salto nature reserve (5 km) with views of the Koster Islands and sunsets in the sea right in Koster Marine National Park.
-
Gen Kelsang Dragpa is the Resident Teacher at KMC Oslo & National Spiritual Director for the Nordic Region He ordaind as a Kadampa Buddhist monk in 1993 & has for many years given practical & easy to understand teaching to the people of the modern world
-
Don’t hasitate to contact us:
info@meditateinoslo.org
+ 47 45 05 19 28 -
Arrival: The retreat starts with supper at 18:00 followed by introductory talk 19:00-20:00
Session 1 - 09:00-10:15Session 2 - 11:30-12:45Session 3 - 16.30-17:45Session 4 - 19:30-20:45
Meals:Breakfast - 7:30-08:45Lunch - 13:00-13:30Supper - 18:00-18:30
Departure:
-
Gullnäsgården is in a very scenic setting by the sea and lush greenery on the island of Tjärnö, about 10 km southwest of Stromstad, Sweden in the beautiful Bohuslän archipelago, next to the Kosterhavet Marine National Park.
The island is connected to the mainland by road bridges. It is 1.5 hours by car from Oslo. We offer simple and comfortable accommodation in the main house and a number of charming small cottages and converted barns.
The farm is close to the sea, it is possible to borrow a bicycle, canoe or kayak. It is also possible to enjoy the sauna or swim in the sea. There are also great places where you can just sit and watch the still water or the sunset.
-
We have different types of accommodation. Single rooms with shared facilities, shared rooms, dormitory and camping in the summer. Accommodation is in simple but comfortable rooms in small cabins and houses. It is also possible to sleep in a tent or caravan if you prefer, but be aware that it can be cold. (We apologize, but we cannot offer disabled facilities at the moment).
Course participants have access to shower facilities, a washing machine, a small library of Dharma books to borrow during your retreat, a small Dharma bookstore and a small selection of snacks available for purchase.
-
Meals and drinks are included. Breakfast and two healthy and nutritious meals are served every day.
All meals are either vegetarian or vegan, with vegan options when there is a vegetarian dinner.
There is also a wheat and dairy free option for those with allergies.
Please state in advance if you require a vegan or wheat-free diet.
Tell us if you have severe allergies.
-
Bring sheets, pillowcases, duvet covers and towels (you can also rent these for NOK 100). Pillows and duvets are available for all rooms.
Toiletries are a good idea to bring, a flashlight is good to bring in seasons where it would be necessary, warm clothes for winter including boots, gloves, hat, woolen socks and lighter clothes for summer.
Bring a bathing suit if you wish to wear it. There is a sauna on the farm. You may also want to wear slippers.
It may be a good idea to bring some cash to buy snacks, goods from the shop or to pay for pick-up or departure to the bus.
We have meditation cushions and mats for loan, but you can also bring your own.
There is a library of Buddhist books you can borrow.
Course participants can meditate using cushions on the floor or sitting on a chair, you are free to choose what you find most comfortable.
-
This retreat take place at Gullnäsgården, which is a very beautiful and suitable place to do a retreat. It is located on the peaceful island of Tjärnö connected by a bridge, near Strømstad in Sweden. It takes 1.5 hours to drive from Oslo by car.
Stiftelsen Gullnäsgården, Tjärnö, 45296 Strömstad, Website: www.gullnas.se
Gullnäsgården is located in Nord-Bohuslän, on an island called Tjärnö, 10 km southwest of Strömstad, about 187 km north of Gothenburg, 99 km north of Uddevalla and 132 km south for Oslo. Follow the signs for Tjärnö, Saltö from the E6.
To get to the course farm by car: 5 km south of Strömstad there is a road sign for Daftö, Öddö, Tjärnö and Saltö. Follow this road for 5 km. You pass over 2 large bridges and a small bridge. After the second large bridge, it is 1 km further. Just after some small red boathouses, just around the corner on the left is a sign for Gullnäsgården and you turn left here. Follow the signs to Gullnäsgården, and after about 100m you can park on the left and go to the main building to register.
GPS coordinates: N 58 ° 53.217 'E 11 ° 1
Public transport: It is also possible to take a bus from Oslo S to Strømstad and take a taxi (approx. 5km) from Strømstad to Gullnäsgården. We can pick you up from the bus stop if you let us know.
