The Eco-domaine called Les Gilats will host the French Vipassana summer retreat in February 2014. This is a very large house located in the countryside, in a beautiful setting South-east and about 1h30 drive from Paris.

Everyone is welcome to join the retreat whether or not you have already practiced meditation before, this type of meditation or any type of meditation.

Enjoy the rare opportunity of an intensive meditation practice supported by daily individual interview

In order to make the most of their practice time, all meditators are accompanied by a teacher whom they will meet once a day for an interview where questions can be answered and the practice monitored.
All meditation practice instructions are thus tailored to best meet every individual’s situation and conditions. This is a truly exceptional opportunity to rapidly progress on the path of insight and wisdom.

February 2014 retreat teachers

This retreat will be taught by Eric Spirau and Nathalie Mourier, disciples of Venerable Phra Dhammamangalajarn (Ajarn Tong Sirimangalo). They hold weekly sessions in Paris and have been trained to teach retreats at the International Meditation Center, Chom Tong Monastery (Thailand). They have both been authorized to teach retreats by Ajarn Tong.

The retreat – practical information

Location: the house is called Eco-domaine Les Gilats, this is a wonderful large house set in a very large park in the country side. This area of France is called Bourgogne and is situated roughly south-east of Paris. It’s about 1:30 drive from Paris. You can also get there by train, the nearest train station is Joigny, about 25 kilometers from the house.
Should you need any help with your whereabouts, trains or whatever please let us know and we’ll do our best to help you get there.
To check on trains’ timetable, please check the national train service company’s website.
Should you come by car, please let us know as some people may want to join you and share the costs.

Food and lodging

Accommodation is on a single ou double occupancy basis, depending on availabilities. In any case rooms are spacious and comfortable.
Meals are vegetarian and preferably prepared with locally grown organic products.

What to bring with you

• a zafu or meditation cushion, we will not have any on site.
• a mat to put your cushion on (yoga mat or anything alike, doesn’t need to be over about 1 square meter in size).
• towels (bedding is supplied).

Costs

Following the south-east asian tradition, teachings are given on a dana (generosity) basis, they are not sold by the teachers but shared by them. There is no fixed price set for attending a retreat. It must be stated though that teachers rely solely on dana given by meditators for their living and have no other sources of income.

Food is also on a dana basis.

Because we have to pay a fixed rent for the accommodation, rooms come with a fixed price : 190 euros per person.

Accommodation has to be paid in advance. You may pay by money transfer, paypal (although then there is a small additional charge to cover for Paypal’s fees) or any other means at your convenience. Please get in touch with us on this.

To sum it up:

• Teaching: dana
• Food: dana
• Accommodation: 190 euros

Please note that dana paid on site must be paid in cash.

Registration

To register for the retreat, simply download the registration form here, send us a copy via email and let us know your details regarding your traveling arrangements.