Holistic Education for Integral Human Development
Cultivating awareness with Ven. Ajahn Visālo
Cultivating awareness with Ven. Ajahn Visālo
We thank Ven. Ajahn Visālo for his compassionate guidance and teachings throughout this retreat.
From 21 to 24 March, over 70 Nalanda members and core volunteers participated in a dedicated Dhamma retreat under the guidance of Ajahn Visālo. The retreat consisted of Dhamma talks, sitting and walking meditations, complemented by mindful awareness during eating and chores. Group interviews also allowed participants to seek guidance and clarification about their practice.
Ajahn gave teachings on the relaxed yet aware mindset to approach meditation, and cultivate a mind of ease during the practice. Besides the formal sitting, he also advised us to cultivate awareness in our daily lives to observe our thoughts, feelings and intentions. During the Q&A sessions, Ajahn addressed a wide range of questions from meditation experiences to life advice, giving very simple but heart-touching perspectives.
Bro. Tong Siong Yeow welcoming members to the retreat.
Ven. Ajahn Visālo administering the Three Refuges and Eight Precepts.
Whichever technique used, Ajahn guided participants in learning to relax, be aware and be a “silent witness” to the rising and falling of phenomenon and watching the attitude behind the awareness.
We extend our deepest appreciation to Ajahn Visālo for his compassion in guiding us and wish him the very best of health. Our thanks also go to the organisers, participants and volunteers for supporting the learning during this retreat. Sadhu anumodāna!
Cultivating awareness in walking meditation.
Ajahn’s teachings were described by participants as “simple, touches the heart, and comes from one who truly embodies the Dhamma”.
Group interviews with participants.
Starting the day with walking meditation in the serene grounds of Wisdom Park.
Ending the day with calmness and clarity.
Together as a community – blessings and reflection at every meal time.
Together as a community – “working meditation”.
Together as a community – volunteers preparing the meals for all participants.
Seeking for forgiveness and offering guru-dakkhina to Ajahn Visālo at the end of the retreat.
Participants had the opportunity to offer alms to Ajahn Visālo at the end of the retreat.