Silent Retreat – The Heart of Mindfulness

“At some point your heart will tell itself what to do.”
Ajahn Chah

This 5-day silent retreat is a unique opportunity to dive deeply into the practice of meditation, in an environment of peace and tranquility, allowing silence to reveal the most intimate truths of our existence.
In silence, we find freedom to explore our true nature, usually drowned out by the noise of daily hustle and bustle and busy schedules, promoting a state of full presence and mental clarity.

During the retreat, we will have guided sitting meditation (Vipassana and Metta), walking meditation, mindful movent and lectures, where we will explore the Buddha’s teaching on the 4 Foundations of Mindfulness according to the Satipatthana Sutta, so that we can deepen our practice and understanding.

• Mindfulness of the Body – Kayanupassana
• Mindfulness of Feelings – Vedananupassana
• Mindfulness of the Mind – Cittanupassana
• Mindfulness of Dhammas (Mental Objects) – Dhammanupassana

These teachings are transmitted in a clear and accessible way, connecting ancestral wisdom with our contemporary reality.

The Satipatthana Sutta, one of Buddha’s most important discourses, describes the four foundations of mindfulness as the direct path to realization and liberation. The systematic practice of these four foundations develops a deep understanding of the nature of the body, feelings, mind, and mental objects, pointing to a clearer and more transformative understanding of who we are and our place in the world.

The retreat is held in a location where the beauty of nature serves as a backdrop for the practice of mindfulness. We will have meditative walks outdoors and moments of contemplation in nature, amplifying the feeling of connection with the world around us, reinforcing the feeling of unity and harmony.
Although the retreat is focused on silence, there will also be short moments of group sharing, providing a safe space to express personal experiences, questions and insights, promoting a sense of community and mutual support.

Participation in this retreat implies a commitment to participate in its entirety. Some previous experience in mindfulness or Buddhist meditation is advised to participate.

Note: This retreat will be guided in English.

See program here
* May undergo minor changes.

Inscrições | Registrations Venue
Silent Retreat – The Heart of Mindfulness | 30th April to 4th May 2025 Centro Espírito Santo e Missão – Seminário da Silva, Barcelos registration

Reservation: Register online and check your email for reservation details.

Arriving: 30th April 2025 between 15h and 17h
Leaving: 4th May 2025 around 16h

Retreat center: Seminário da Silva, Barcelos, Portugal


Accommodation: single or double rooms, with private bathroom

Meals: Vegetarian

Costs: All included (room, board and guidance).
Please consider paying at the highest rate that you are able to. Your generosity is vital in supporting our offerings for the benefit of all.
Prices are per person.

Single Rooms

Standard Rate410€Includes a donation that helps sustain our offerings and supports access for all.
Basic Rate380€Covers the very basic costs of running the retreat.
Supported Rate350€A subsidized rate to support practice.
Agencies410€

Double Rooms (available only if you have a confirmed roommate to share with)

Standard Rate380€Includes a donation that helps sustain our offerings and supports access for all.
Basic Rate350€Covers the very basic costs of running the retreat.
Supported Rate320€A subsidized rate to support practice.
Agencies380€

Teacher: João Palma is a certified mindfulness teacher and is guiding meditation retreats since 2014.


Testemunhos

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