Rains Retreat Schedule 'Vassa' at Dhammagiri 02/08 to 29/10 2023

For 3 months, from the full moon of July to the full moon in October, the monks settle down for a period of intensified meditation practice. This year, that's from Wed 02 August until Sun 29 October 2023.

We are not allowed to travel during this time (except in certain emergencies), and all energy is devoted to cultivate bhāvanā. Here at Dhammagiri, we stop all external projects like building & maintenance work, during this time.

We're keeping Noble Silence ('Ariyo Tuṇhī-Bhāvo') as much as possible, as it is one of the most important supportive conditions to develop samatha meditation.

We still continue all our regular sessions:

• Every day after the meal

• Every Saturday morning 07.30 am Chanting, Refuge & Precepts

• Every Sunday afternoon 03.00 pm Chanting, Meditation, Reflection

• Sunday closest to Full Moon One Day Retreat 8.30 am to 5.00 pm

• However, we do keep the Dhammadiscussion after the meal short (about 30 min max), to minimize the need to talk for the senior monk, and allow him to get back to his kuti early to refocus his mind on internal silence.

• We do the sessions mostly in Q&A form, rather than delivering a formal "sermon". Please don't feel shy to ask questions, or else the session may be quite short ;-)

This year, we have three monks spending the vassa at Dhammagiri:

1. Ajahn Dhammasiha

2. Ajahn Khantiko

3. Ajahn Moneyyo

Peter will be staying as lay guest for the full retreat, and Gary will be here for the first month and the last

Your understanding and support are much appreciated 😊

"Cave of Ringbearing Doves" (Kizil Cave #123), Kucha, Northern Silk Road, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, China, around sixth century CE.

Reonstruction of cave in original size with original frescos in Humboldt Forum, Berlin.

Detail of Buddha's & Bodhisatvas in domed cave ceiling.