Retreats

Hungry Ghost Retreat : Healing the Heart and Mind in Recovery

22-25 March 2012

This Mindful recovery retreat is offered as an opportunity to experience a wholly Buddhist approach to recovery from all forms of addiction. This retreat is open to those new to recovery as well as those who have been in recovery for a longer time. All are welcome to sit together to discover an alternative and complementary approach to recovery and to support on-going abstinence.

Throughout the retreat, the meditation practices of Loving-kindness and Forgiveness – both essential for healing our hearts and minds – will be central to, and woven into, our daily schedule.

For the period of the retreat, retreatants are required to commit to Sila (Precepts):

To refrain from harming any living being
To refrain from taking what is not offered
To refrain from sexual and sensual misconduct
To refrain from false speech (including idle gossip, harsh and divisive speech)
To refrain from taking substances which disturb the balance of the mind (and may lead me into committing any of the above).

It is important to note that you do not have to be a Buddhist to adopt or to adapt any of the principles discussed, and meditation practices explored. Recovering people of all faiths and none are welcome on this retreat.

The retreat’s primary facilitator will be Vince Cullen. Vince is an ex-alcoholic who has been associated with the Wat Thamkrabok monastery in Thailand and Buddhist-oriented drug and alcohol recovery since 1998. In 2009 Vince became a charter member of the Buddhist Recovery Network and established the Fifth Precept meditation for recovery group in Berkshire, UK. Vince offers recovery retreats in the UK and Ireland.

Donation (Pali : Dana) : The retreat teachings are offered in accordance with the Buddhist tradition of Dana (the practice and virtue of generosity). Vince follows the ancient Buddhist tradition of not charging for the teachings he shares. The organisations that host his retreats and workshops generally only cover his travel expenses. However, in return for his teaching and instruction, Vince gratefully accepts donations, which enable him to continue his work. If you would like to support Vince, you can do so at the end of the retreat.

Retreatants have a single room each, with shower, bed, sheets, towel and fan. Please notify us in advance if you would like a double room. Vegetarian meals are served 3 times a day. Fruit, tea and coffee will be available all day long. The retreat will include teachings, guided meditation practice and yoga with an experienced teacher. There will be plenty of time to enjoy the swimming pool and our herbal steam bath. The price for the retreat is 2,000 THB. Please help us spread the word and bring some friends.

Limited to only 26 participants
For reservations please contact us at info@newlifethaifoundation.com

Schedule

Thursday, March 22, 2012	18h00 – 19h00	Dinner
	19h30 – 21h00	Introductory talk by Vince  including taking precepts for the retreat.

Friday, March 23, 2012	6h00 – 6h30	Silent Meditation
	6h30 – 7h00	Yoga
	7h00 – 8h00	Silent breakfast
	9h30 – 12h00	Teachings and practice
	12h00 – 13h00	Lunch
	14h00 – 16h00	Teachings, practice, time for questions…
	16h30 – 17h00	Yoga
	17h00 – 18h00	Herbal steam bath and/or nature walk
	18h30 – 19h15	Dinner (or light evening meal)
	19h30 – 21h30	Contemplation, sharing and practice

Saturday, March 24, 2012	6h00 – 6h30	Silent Meditation
	6h30 – 7h00	Yoga
	7h00 – 8h00	Silent breakfast
	9h30 – 12h00	Teachings and practice
	12h00 – 13h00	Lunch
	14h00 – 16h00	Teachings, practice, time for questions…
	16h30 – 17h00	Yoga
	17h00 – 18h00	Herbal steam bath and/or nature walk
	18h30 – 19h15	Dinner (or light evening meal)
	19h30 – 21h30	Contemplation, sharing and practice

Sunday, March 25, 2012	6h00 – 6h30	Silent Meditation
	6h30 – 7h00	Yoga
	7h00 – 8h00	Silent breakfast
	9h30 – 10h30	Talk about New Life’s Mission
	10h30 – 12h00	Teachings and practice
	12h00 – 13h00	Lunch
	14h00 – 16h00	Teachings, practice, time for questions…
	16h00 – 17h00	Group picture + Farewells