Nothing lasts except change, and finding a natural balance in the face of that is one of the joys of the practice. Most of us habitually resist change, though, so the experience of balance can feel elusive – especially when the kind of change we encounter in our lives is when pleasant turns to unpleasant. Fortunately, the Buddha understood this dynamic very well and offered teachings that inevitably lead to greater balance and joy in life, no matter what we encounter.

Our day of sitting and walking practice will focus on developing balance as a habit and strengthening what balance we can already access, using the cultivation of metta as a basis and introducing a practice that directly develops equanimity. In doing this, we will spend the day encouraging a beautiful resilience of heart that gives us ground to rest on when life is hard – or when we are called to support others who are facing difficulties. 

Some experience with Metta meditation is useful but not essential.

Guidance
Venerable Ayya Virañani is a Buddhist nun from the USA (Hawaii). She is deeply rooted in the Dhamma through practice, study and transmission of the Dhamma. She has been meditating since 1979 in the Burmese tradition of Mahasi Sayadaw, the Thai forest tradition, and has worked in the Insight Meditation Society in the US. Sister Virañani was ordained as Bhikkuni in Myanmar in 2006 under Sayadaw U Pandita and is now attached to a renowned meditation center (Chanmyay Myaing of U Indaka Sayadaw). She has been guiding retreats in many places around the world for years. She speaks with great compassion and makes the traditional texts accessible with many examples from everyday life. One of her specialties is Metta meditation.

When
Sunday 27 November
10:00 – 16:30
Welcome from 9:30

Where
Hof Zevenbergen in the Kasteeldreef in Ranst.
A place of peace and quiet in a green oasis near the center of Ranst and adjacent to the Zevenbergenbos nature reserve and the Mariagrot.
Here you can watch a video and the website.

Accessibility
Ample parking.
Buses 243, 420, 421 and 422 stop within walking distance of Hof Zevenbergen.
We organize carpooling, see registration form for more info.

Registration fee
35 €
Includes light lunch, coffee/tea/water.
This contribution covers the costs and not the guidance.
Guidance by Ayya Virañani based on Dana.
Dana is the first quality that the Buddha recommended developing when he was asked: “What must I do to achieve complete freedom?” “Begin with generosity,” said the Buddha, “live in peace with each other and take good care of your inner development.
The Dana principle means that a participant in an activity decides for him/her/theyself how much he/she/they wants or can give. The underlying idea is that we as humans belong together and take care of each other.
That the Dhamma is in fact priceless and is given from the heart and received in the heart.
Everyone considers: “What is it worth to me that the Dhamma can be passed on and what can or will I contribute?”

Participation and cancellation
Register here.
You can read the participation and cancellation conditions here.
About a week before the start you will receive an email with practical information.

Questions?
Send an email to:
info@inzichtmeditatieantwerpen.be