About The Retreat
The 2025 retreat will be held from July 12th to 27th.
We are offering a 15-day basic course. Shorter stays, with a minimum of 5 days, are welcome if space permits; however, applicants for the full course will be given priority. Accommodation is in comfortable, camping-style tents with outdoor toilet and shower facilities. All meals provided are vegetarian but not vegan or gluten-free.
The retreat will begin on Saturday, July 12th, at 9:00 AM with the traditional opening ceremony, followed by initial instructions and lunch. Hornby Islanders should aim to arrive by 7:00 AM on the 12th, and off-islanders are encouraged to arrive the afternoon before to ensure you are settled in and ready to start on Saturday.
Get In Touch
If you would like to participate in the Summer Retreat, or would like more information, please email us at samaggi1@yahoo.com
Daily Schedule
- 4:00 AM Wake Up
- 6:00 AM Breakfast
- 11:00 AM Lunch
- 10:00 PM Bed
Your practice consists of the following exercises: mindful prostration, walking meditation, and sitting meditation. Throughout the day, you will alternate between these practices with breaks in between.
By observing the practice of Noble Silence, you will be able to maintain focus on your practice and minimize distractions. You will meet with your teacher once per day to discuss your practice. This is an opportunity for you to ask questions and for your teacher to provide you with feedback.
While at the meditation center, meditators are expected to observe the following training rules:
1. I undertake the rule of training to abstain from taking life.
2. I undertake the rule of training to abstain from stealing.
3. I undertake the rule of training to abstain from sexual conduct (Including just simple touching or suggestive behavior. Please do not touch each other. You may bring your hands together in greeting).
4. I undertake the rule of training to abstain from false speech.
5. I undertake the rule of training to abstain from intoxicating drinks and drugs causing carelessness.
6. I undertake the rule of training to abstain from eating at improper times. (after 12 noon and before 6 AM. After noon you may have liquids such as milk, juice without pulp, yogurt, chocolate without nuts).
7. I undertake the rule of training to abstain from entertainment such as dancing, singing, music, shows, wearing garlands, using perfumes, and beautifying with cosmetics.
8. I undertake the rule of training to abstain from sleeping in high and comfortable places or unsuitable times.
What To Bring
Loose, comfortable, preferably white clothing (thrift stores are a great source for this), including warm clothes (down jacket/thermals), as the mornings can be chilly. Please bring enough for your whole stay so you don’t have to do laundry.
Bring:
- Alarm clock
- Flashlight
- Timer
- Meditation cushion
- Yoga mat
- Sleeping bag
- Sheets
- Pillow
- Inflatable mattress or foam pad
During the rainy season, don’t forget to bring your rainwear and boots. If it is easy for you to bring your own tent, please do so.
If you have specific dietary needs, you will need to bring some of your own food. There is a freezer and fridge available for meditators. Bring any medications and toiletries you may need, as there is no pharmacy on Hornby Island.
Teas or other drinks you enjoy are permitted. There is no solid food after noon, but hot/cold drinks, yogurt, cheese, and chocolate (without nuts) are allowed. You may also want to bring your own thermos/water bottle, plate, utensils, etc.
a few words about us
Sharing the Vipassana meditation practice with others is both a true gift and an honor.
We began our practice in 1990 and, after dedicating the next 10 years to this path, we were appointed to teach. Since then, we have had the privilege of teaching in Thailand, Germany, the Netherlands, and Canada. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our Teachers and all those who have guided and supported us along the way.
In the spirit of generosity, we are delighted to offer a nurturing environment where individuals can explore Vipassana meditation and further develop their practice. Our aim is to help others understand the Buddha’s Four Noble Truths and, in doing so, bring ease, harmony, and peace to their lives and the lives of those around them.
With Metta,
Edward Kooij and Jodi Snijders
Lineage
Monastic Lineage
Most Venerable Phra Prom Mongkol Vi (Ven. Phra Ajarn Tong Sirimangalo)
Venerable Phra Ajarn Tong Sirimangalo was born in 1923. He ordained as a novice in 1934 and took full ordination as a monk in 1941. In the 1950s he was sent to Wat Mahathat in Bangkok for one year as the only representative of the Northern-Thai Sangha to practice Vipassana meditation based on the Four Foundations of Mindfulness. The following two years he learned and studied in Burma amongst others with Venerable Mahasi Sayadaw Bhaddantasobhana Mahathera.
On December 13, 2019, at the age of 96, our most revered teacher left this world. We are grateful for all the years of teaching and tireless support that the Most Venerable Phra Prom Mongkol Vi has given so generously to so many.
Lay Lineage
Khun Thanat Chindaporn
Late Director of the International Meditation Department at Wat Phradhatu Sri Chomtong Voravihara
Khun Thanat was a senior disciple of Venerable Phra Prom Mongkol Vi (Ven. Phra Ajarn Tong Sirimangalo). He was a teacher of Satipatthana Vipassana meditation in the Theravada Buddhist tradition of Thailand and was the Director of the International Meditation Department at Wat Phradhatu Sri Chomtong Voravihara, which was established in 2000.
He studied Vipassana meditation with Venerable Ajarn Tong Sirimangalo in the mid 1980s and began his teaching apprenticeship with late Venerable Phra Banyat Akkayano, the late Director of Thailand’s Northern Insight Meditation Centre at Wat Ram Poeng (Tapotaram), Chiang Mai. Since 1988, he has conducted meditation courses in Thailand, Hawaii, America, Canada, Mexico, Columbia, Germany, Spain, Slowenia, France, Israel, India and Nepal and has established 21 Vipassana meditation centers in 14 countries.
Khun Thanat passed away on March 31, 2022 at the age of 80.
Khun Kathryn Chindaporn
Director of the International Meditation Department at Wat Phradhatu Sri Chomtong Voravihara
Khun Kathryn Chindaporn (Kate Johnston) is a senior disciple of Venerable Phra Prom Mongkol Vi (Ven. Phra Ajarn Tong Sirimangalo) having studied Vipassana since 1986. Khun Kathryn has been teaching Vipassana for more than 30 years. Since 1988 she has led courses in Thailand, North-America, Hawaii, Europe, Israel and India.
Khun Kathryn is presently director and meditation teacher at the International Meditation Department at Wat Phradhatu Sri Chomtong Voravihara, Chiang Mai.