MEDITATION

Mind Development (Meditation) is a practice in which one attains greater awareness, wisdom, self-realization and deep relaxation. During the retreat, we study the various aspects of mind training and learn different Suttas (Teaching texts) that explain these aspects. We also practice the four meditation positions, sitting, standing, walking and lying. Basic mind development exercises include creating a clear awareness of the body, feelings, consciousness, and Dhamma (state of mind), awareness of breathing and the development of friendliness.

The times of meditation retreats are shown on the ACTIVITIES page.

MAIN TOPICS

1. What does mind training mean (meditation)? Overview of enlightening teachings.
   
2. Why it is important to train the mind?
3. Basic instructions for training mind.
   
4. Four positions of mind training.
   
5. Main Mind Training Methods
   
6. Creating the right awareness, creation of four objects.*
   
7. The right attitude as a prerequisite for practising a successful mind.
   
8. Benefits of Mind Training.
   
9. Open microphone: teacher answers questions.

5-DAY RETREAT APPROXIMATE DAY SCHEDULE

The day I begin with a retreat at 13:00. Boat ''Vesta'' will arrive at Aegna 11.00
11.15 - 12.00       Registration, placing in rooms, getting to know the house
12:00 - 13:00       Herbal tea/water, light lunch
13.00 - 15.00       Introduction
(See further the plan II-IV of the day, from 15:00)

Day II-IV
05.00       Alarm
05.30       Meditation
06.30       Morning exercises
07.00       Breakfast
08.00       Teaching
09.00       Meditation
11.00       Luncheon
12.00       Teaching
13.00       Meditation
14.00       Teaching
15.00       Meditation
16.00       Stretching, personal time
17.00       Meditation / personal practice
18.00       Herbal tea/water, snack
19.00       Meditation / personal practice
20.00       Personal time
21.00       Nighttime

Day V. On the last day, the retreat ends at 15.30
16.00   Bedclothes return
17.30 Herbal tea/water, snack
18.00 Free time
Making donations, getting to know the island, exchanging information and contacts, etc.
19.30 Boat "Vesta" Leaves from Aegna and arrives at Tallinnas 20.30

NB! In case someone wants to leave earlier, please be informed immediately on the first day.

2-DAY RETREAT APPROXIMATE DAY SCHEDULE

11.00       Boat"Vesta" arrives at Aegna
11.15       Registration, placing in rooms, getting to know the house
12.00       Herbal tea/water, light lunch
13.00       Introduction
15.00       Meditation
16.00       Stretching, personal time
17.00       Meditation /personal practice
18.00       Herbal tea/water, snack
19.00       Meditation / personal practice
20.00       Meditation / personal practice
21.00       Personal time
22.00       Nighttime

II päev
05.00       Alarm
05.30       Meditation
06.30       Morning exercises
07.00       Breakfast
08.00       Meditation
08.45       Energy break
09.00       Meditation
11.00       Luncheon
12.00       Teaching
13.00       Meditation
13.45       Energy break
14.00       Meditation
14.45       Energy break
15.00       Meditation
15.45       Energy break
16.00       Meditation
16.45       Feedback
17.00       Ending a retreat (returning bedding, cleaning rooms, making donations, getting to know the island, exchanging information and contacts, etc.)
18.00       Herbal tea/water/ coffee, light snack before going home
18.30       Boat "Vesta" leaves Aegna and arrives in Tallinn at 20.30

FEE

Summer courses are free. Organizing our mind development courses is based on the principle that the costs of each group are covered by the previous group, it means each group makes a donation (dāna) for the next group. The next retreat depends on the previous group (the prerequisite for continuing the voluntary donation is to make a minimum donation of 45 euros per 1 day). The food, drink, electricity and other expenses of each retreat have been paid in advance by the previous group. In this way, the participant receives a kind of generosity from the previous participants and develops a kind and selfless gift. If you want to make a donation to the next mind development retreat (food, electricity, etc.) or to support the travel expenses of the teacher (s), your donation will be accepted with humble gratitude.

Winter courses are partially paid. Since the Meelearenduskeskus organizes transportation from Tallinn to Aegna in winter and there are direct costs associated with the center's ad ministration (the center's building is heated by electricity) and organizing winter catering is more resource-intensive, the center asks to make a donation advance for participating in winter courses, the amount of which depends on the specific course. The center is not asking for any profit and the teaching, guided meditation and Dhamma books are free (by donation).
The advance payment must be paid to Eesti Theravaada Sangha Klooster account EE667700771001342232. If necessary, more detailed information about bank details and donation can be found on our website DONATION.

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR RETREAT

1. Introduction

The mind training (meditation) retreat is built on the assumption that the participant passes the entire program. The goal is to teach mind development techniques so that each participant can apply them later in everyday life and practice on their own.

2. People with a serious mental disorder

Participants should have good mental and physical health. Although mind training (meditation) offers many benefits in many disciplines, it does not replace medical or psychiatric treatment. We do not recommend meditation techniques for those who have been diagnosed with a serious mental disorder (severe depression, chronic alcoholism, etc.).

3. Prerequisites

Our courses are open to all people regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, nationality, gender or status in society. However, there are some prerequisites that are necessary for retreating.

1. Participants must be at least 18 years of age (unless there is a special retreat for young people for which there is no requirement).
   
2. Participants must be able to follow the schedule and instructions which are given by the teacher/monk throughout the retreat.
   
3. Participants must be prepared to adapt to simple accommodation and hygiene conditions.
   

4. Basics of Common Cohabitation

            4.1   Mindfulness training
Creating and maintaining a harmonious and positive attitude is important in living with a mind-training community. In this reason we encourage participants to continuously train mindfulness, by following five moral principles:

1. Avoiding and/or damaging life - the idea of destroying any life, even a small creature like a mosquito, can cause a negative attitude that undermines the practice of exercising the mind.
   
2. Refraining from non-giving - this principle encourages you to be satisfied and to do what we have.
   
3. Refraining from wrongful behaviour that delivers pleasure - mental, verbal or physical behaviour resulting from the joy of pleasure does not contribute to the development of the mind, but has the opposite effect: the stimulus of inexperienced enjoyment drives the mind off the path of development. As long as the mind is busy with pleasure, development of the mind is not effective.
   
4. Abstinence from lying - Lying, as well as slanderous, smirch, and useless chatting cannot contribute to create and maintain harmonious relationships. Slanderous and backbiting are detrimental to interpersonal trust, creating disagreements and accusations, ridiculing, negative attitudes, prejudice and exclusion. The harsh speech is devastating, threatening, offensive, terrorizing and disgusting. This includes any speech that harasses or insults someone on the basis of race, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, gender, or status. A suitable speech is always friendly and caring and free from any (including hidden) evil. balderdash is also an obstructive and useless activity to practice the mind.
5. Refrain from stunning substances and drinks - all alcoholic also intoxicating drinks and drugs which are dazing, as a consequence reducing awareness and responsibility. Not only alcohol or narcotics, but any kind of sensory dysfunction which destroys mental and physical health also blurs the glory of consciousness.
   

The absence of the five moral aspects mentioned above may become a major obstacle to learning and/or learning while exercising. To create a group where you can safely practice your mind and developmentally, it is necessary to promote and maintain non-violence, honesty, peace of mind, and the quiet joy and pleasant well-being of all participants.

         

         4.2 Alcohol and tobacco

         Participants are asked not to take alcoholic beverages or tobacco products. If a person consumes alcohol regularly or smokes every day, we ask you to abandon these habits during the retreat.

          4.3 Separation of men and women

          The participant should arrive at the retreat to learn to develop mind and practice what they have learned. If a participant is unable to control inappropriate emotions or sexual signs, the perceiving or seeing of the participant affects the whole group. Sexual activity can lead to inappropriate behavior that hinders the development of concentration. The separation of men and women helps participants to maintain and develop peace of mind and direct, bright consciousness.

           4.4 Accommodation

           During the retreat, participants will be allocated to either three or four rooms. All have access to hot showers and toilets. If a participant wishes, he can bring a personal pillow and sheets, a sleeping bag, or a towel. Upon request and upon prior arrangement with the organizer, it is possible to take a personal tent and stay at the campfire site next to the house.

            4.5 Connection with the outside world

            The participant should avoid any communication (including eye contact) with the participants of the course as well as other people (eg visiting the house). Any communication with people living in the field of ordinary life during a retreat can seriously undermine the advancement of mind development.

             4.6 Stay in the retreat area

             We ask you not to leave the territory of the house during the retreat as it can significantly damage your advancement in mind. You can only leave the territory of the house in an emergency or if the teacher/monk has given permission.

             4.7 Communication tools

             The special time taken to develop your mind should not be disturbed or interrupted. We ask that all communication devices, such as computers, mobile phones, etc., be turned off for the duration of the retreat. If you want, you can leave a phone number and/or email with your loved ones to contact the retreat organizers.

             4.8 Books, magazines and music

             Books, magazines, and musical arrangements interfere with the development of the mind, so they are not allowed in our centre.

             4.9 Clothing

             For convenience, clothing should be spacious, simple and comfortable. The centre must not wear any leotard, leggings, or semi-transparent, tight-fitting, sleeveless or otherwise revealing clothing. White (light) colour is highly recommended.

             If possible (ask the retreat coordinator), you can ask for laundry service for a fee. Smaller items can be washed by the participants themselves.

5.          Recording

             Audio or image recording is not allowed.

6.          Summary

              The purpose of this is to maximize your benefits and optimize your mind development experience. It is a great pleasure for us to serve you by learning, developing, and purifying your mind, so that you, your family, and all other living entities will find true and peaceful happiness in this life.

Let's live together as a common family in peace, compassion and harmony!