The Breath of the Path (Vipassana)

In the restless currents of saṃsāra, the bodhisattva becomes a refuge—not only for herself, but for all who are nourished by her steadiness and care. Across spiritual traditions, the breath has long been experienced as a bridge between body and mind, inner and outer worlds. By attuning to this quiet stream of life, we are invited to ground ourselves and meet the turbulence around us with calm and clarity.

This 10-day retreat offers a still and supportive space to engage deeply with the Buddha’s foundational teaching on breath meditation.

The Ānāpānasati Sutta, preserved in both the Pāli and Tibetan canons, presents a path of sixteen contemplations that begins with simple awareness of the breath and gradually opens into serenity, insight, and inner liberation. This practice gently integrates samatha (calm abiding) and vipassanā (clear seeing), cultivating a mind that is both tranquil and wakeful.

Over the course of the retreat, we will explore the four progressive foundations outlined in the text:

• Body – calming the breath, sensing the whole body, and grounding attention in the present
• Feeling – recognizing the felt tone of experience and nurturing joy and ease
• Mind – becoming intimate with the mind’s movements and cultivating mental stillness
• Dhammas – observing impermanence, releasing clinging, and opening to inner freedom

Each day includes guided sitting and walking meditation, silent practice periods, evening teachings on the sixteen steps, and opportunities for one-on-one interviews with the teacher. Noble silence will support the unfolding of a quiet, contemplative atmosphere.

This retreat is open to both new and seasoned practitioners. Whether you are taking your first steps or returning again to the breath, this practice offers a steady and compassionate guide—welcoming each moment with presence, and gradually revealing the natural ease and clarity of the awakened heart.

CONDITIONS :

Retreats impose limits on our bodies, speech, and minds, within which they can flourish within a community of meditators. It is therefore necessary to:

• ON SITE : participate in the entire retreat while remaining within the confines of the Institute’s premises
• ONLINE: Avoid leaving your place of retreat as much as possible.
• FOR EVERYONE: remain silent, participate in all sessions.

For this ON-SITE retreat, accommodation and meals must be taken at the Institute.

In order to familiarize yourself with the discipline required for this retreat, please be sure to read:
• Instructions and Advice
• Daily Schedule

The retreat is open to beginners as well as more experienced practitioners.