Mindful Meditation Retreat
August 31 to September 1
Discover Inner Peace
Join us to learn from globally respected monks, now based in Maryland, whose teachings have touched lives around the world, in this transformative retreat.
The retreat is fully bookedAre you feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or just in need of a break?
Escape the hustle and embrace tranquility with our 2-Day Mindful Meditation Retreat. Internationally revered monks, who are now in residence at the Buddha Meditation Center Washington DC, will guide you through mindfulness meditation in a serene and tranquil setting, helping you discover lasting calm and clarity.
Inclusive:
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Buddhist Mindfulness Teachings
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Quiet time for self-practice
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One-on-One Discussions With A Monk
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Single bed rooms
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Meals & Snacks
All Skill Levels Welcome
No matter what skill level you are. Our compassionate and knowledgeable monks will guide you throughout the retreat, providing support and insights tailored to your individual needs.
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Beginner
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Intermediate
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Advanced
Meditation Styles
Breathing Meditation
Delve into the power of your breath as a focal point for cultivating deep relaxation and mental clarity. Through focused breathing techniques, you will learn to anchor your awareness in the present moment, fostering a sense of calm and inner peace.
Purpose:
This meditation style helps to reduce anxiety and stress by bringing attention away from past regrets or future worries and into the present moment using the breath as the anchor point. It helps to reduce mind wandering.
Present Moment Awareness
Present Moment Awareness Meditation helps you cultivate mindfulness by focusing on the here and now. Let go of the past and future, enhancing your awareness, reducing stress, and bringing a sense of calm and clarity to your daily life.
Purpose:
This meditation style helps to reduce anxiety and stress by bringing attention away from past regrets or future worries and into the present moment. It fosters a sense of peace and contentment by helping practitioners appreciate the here and now.
Body Relaxation
Immerse yourself in a guided meditation that gently guides you to release tension and embrace profound relaxation. This practice involves systematically scanning your body, releasing physical and mental stress, and experiencing a state of deep tranquility.
Purpose:
It helps you become more attuned to physical sensations, identifying areas of tension or discomfort that you might not have noticed before. As you progressively relax each part of the body, it can lead to an overall state of deep relaxation, which is beneficial for mental and physical well-being.
Loving-Kindness Meditation
Immerse yourself in a guided meditation that gently guides you to release tension and embrace profound relaxation. This practice involves systematically scanning your body, releasing physical and mental stress, and experiencing a state of deep tranquility.
Purpose:
This meditation style fosters empathy, compassion, and emotional well-being, helping practitioners develop a more positive and loving outlook toward themselves and others. There are so many other benefits of Loving-kindness meditation such as sleeping well, waking up peacefully and many more.
Impermanent Meditation
(Insight Meditation | Vipassana)
Embrace the wisdom of impermanence, recognizing the transient nature of all things. This guides you to observe thoughts, emotions, and sensations without attachment, fostering a sense of equanimity and acceptance of life’s ever-changing nature.
Purpose:
This meditation style helps cultivate insight into the transient nature of life, leading to greater acceptance and reduced attachment. By recognizing the impermanence of all things, practitioners can develop a more balanced and equanimous mind.
Walking Meditation
Cultivate mindfulness through the simple act of walking. Experience the sensation involved in each step, the rise and fall of each step. This style is often used to encourage awareness and grounding in the present moment, focusing on the movements of the body to promote clarity and tranquility.
Purpose:
It helps practitioners connect with their physical surroundings, promotes mindfulness in everyday activities, and can be especially beneficial for those who find it challenging to sit still for long periods.
Benefits
- A chance to unplug and slow down from the fast pace of life, allowing you to reconnect with nature and yourself.
- Alleviating any mental discomfort or stress you may be experiencing.
- Cultivating the power of mindfulness, paving the way to the path of bliss and happiness.
- Enjoying mindful walks in the silent beauty of the surrounding nature trails.
- Learning and practicing how to mindfully engage in everyday activities such as eating, sleeping, walking, and talking.
- Nourishing yourself with healthy and delicious meals.
- Having fun and forming deep connections with an amazing group of individuals on the same journey.
Free
Our monks selflessly share their priceless teachings, experience, and time with you, completely free of charge.
Fee
The $225 fee goes towards accommodations, food, and other expenses related to the retreat.
Sponsorship
We understand that financial constraints may hinder some individuals from joining the retreat. However, we encourage you to keep in touch and express your interest. There may be opportunities for someone to donate on your behalf or for future stress relief mindful sessions. Rest assured, everyone is treated equally, and your circumstances will remain confidential.
contact
info@buddhameditationdc.org
Experience our enriching 2-Day Mindful Retreat for just $225, offering a rare opportunity to engage in mindful practice at a fraction of the typical $400+ cost for a similar retreat experience.
Don't Have Time to Participate but Want to Make a Difference?
If you are unable to attend the retreat but wish to support someone else’s journey towards happiness, you can make an anonymous donation.
Your contribution can help cover accommodation fees for those who cannot afford it or contribute to the sustainability of this meditation retreat. As a token of our gratitude, we will prioritize your inclusion in future retreats, especially when limited space is available.
Donations for Meditation Retreats
My DonationWhat Makes This Retreat Special
Don’t just take our word for it.
Here are a few testimonials from previous participants




Time Table
You are welcome to participate in all sessions or enjoy your own silent meditation refraining from the use of electronic devices.
Day 1 (Saturday)
8:30 am – 9:00 am: Check In
9:00 am – 9:15 am: Short Introduction to the Program
9:15 am – 10:00 am: Guided Meditation On Breathing
10:00 am – 10:15 am: Discussion on the experience of Meditation on Breathing
10:15 am – 10:30 am: Silent Short Break
10:30 am – 11:00 am Teachings on How to practice mindfulness in daily life.
11:00 am – 12:00 pm: Brunch
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm: Silent free time (Monks available for one-on-one sessions)
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm: Learning how to identify defilements that lead to suffering in a community circle.
2:00 pm – 3:15 pm: Walking Meditation.
3:15 pm – 3:30 pm Tea Break
3:30 pm – 5:00 pm Free Time
5:00 pm – 6:30 pm Guided & Silent Meditation on Loving-kindness.
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm Mindful dining and chanting Loving-kindness.
7:30 pm – 8:30 pm: Practical Session on Mindful communication, listening & understanding thought patterns. (Community Circle)
8:30 pm – 9:15 pm: Silent Meditation
9:15 pm: Bedtime
9:15 pm – 10:00 pm: Monks lead mindful Buddhist Chantings (Open to all)
Day 2 (Sunday)
5:30 am – 6:30 am: Wake up & Washing
6:30 am – 7:30 am: Mindful Eating & chanting Loving-kindness
7:30 am – 8:30 am: Guided meditation on the impermanence of the Six sense faculties. (Special technique. to overcome mental instability)
8:30 am – 9:30 am: Walking Meditation
9:30 am – 10:30 am: Guided Meditation On Loving-kindness Meditation
10:30 am – 11:15 am: Free Time
11:15 am – 12:15 pm: Brunch
12:15 pm – 1:00 pm Mindful Free Time
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm: Mindful Walking Meditation
2:30 pm – 3:30 pm: Silent Sitting Meditation
3:30 pm – 4:00 pm: Sharing experiences and expressing gratitude.
Breakfast
Muesli with oat milk Sennacherib for Active People, Bob’s Red Mill Old Country, Sennacherib Cashew & Almond Fresh fruits, yogurt, bread & muffins
Lunch
Saturday Rice and chicken curry, beans, parsley salad, Sri Lankan chips Fresh fruit Sunday – pita bread, fried rice, chicken curry,Hummus, cutlets, kale salad, broccoli, ice cream, yogurt, butter cake, berries, fresh fruit
Dinner
Turkey sandwich, vegan wrap, tuna salad sandwich and chicken salad sandwich
Q&A
Q: Is this a religious practice?
A: Not at all. This is a mindfulness practice. Right Mindfulness is the path Buddha taught to achieve the bliss of happiness. Monks are here to teach and share their experiences and meditate with the team.
Everyone is welcome and treated equally. If you have daily religious observations, feel free to practice them in your personal room.
Q: What should I bring?
A: All you need is an open mind, a passion for mindfulness, and your personal belongings. Room items will be provided.
Q: Are phones allowed?
A: During the sessions, we don’t allow the use of phones as we focus on practicing one thing at a time for our mindfulness.
However, in your room, you can use your phone. Just remember not to let your phone use you, as it can distract you from maintaining right mindfulness.
Q: What if I’m unable to follow the timetable?
A: We have faith in you, and together we can make it work. If you ever feel tired, feel free to relax mindfully in your room and take the time you need.
Q: Why should I consider donating to the program?
A: Think about how you felt when you experienced discomfort, anxiety, stress, or depression in your life.
It’s worth helping someone overcome such situations and find practical ways to cope. The monks freely share their experiences, and by donating to arrange more mindful retreats, we can become a part of the greater good to help humanity.
Q: What should I wear?
A: We kindly ask all attendees to dress comfortably and modestly during the retreat. Please choose clothing that allows you to move freely and feel at ease throughout the activities.
Terms and Conditions:
Health and Medical Conditions:
If you have any health or medical conditions, please consult with your physician to determine if the retreat is suitable for you. Please inform the retreat organizers of any health or medical conditions when signing up and at the beginning of the retreat. Be sure to bring any medications you regularly take when attending the retreat.
Code of Conduct:
We expect all attendees to treat others and the retreat environment with respect. Any disruptive or disrespectful behaviour may result in being asked to leave the retreat.
Liability and Waiver:
By participating in the retreat, you acknowledge the physical activities involved and assume all associated risks. You are responsible for your own safety and well-being during the retreat. You release the retreat organizers, instructors, and hosts from any liability for injuries or harm that may occur.
Photography and Media:
Please note that the retreat organizers may take photographs or videos during the retreat for educational purposes and social media. By attending the retreat, you grant permission to use your likeness and photographs for such purposes.
Cancellation Policy:
To receive a full refund, the booking must be canceled before August 16, 2024. Any cancellations made on or after the August 15, 2024 will not be eligible for a refund.
Please be advised that the food served during the retreat may contain or come into contact with common allergens, including milk, eggs, soybeans, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish.