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1. INTRODUCTION TO TRANQUILITY MEDITATION 1st-4th May

The first weekend of this course stands alone but is also compatible with the Taoist breathing course following on immediately after. This first part is essentially ‘satipatthana’ – an approach to meditation that is aimed at developing mindfulness. The course will introduce the fundamentals of anapana sati [mindfulness of breath] and will generally incline participants towards samattha bhavana [tranquility] as a means of calming and stregthening the mind for the rigours of deeper meditation-and for daily life.

Dependant on progress, meditation on the four elements directly perceivable in the body-the investigation of materiality and its characteristics-will be introduced.

This course is aimed at beginners and particularly for those students who have been attending the monthly Water Method trainings in Foix. While the practice during the first part is essentially drawn from Theravadan Buddhist practice, the foundation it provides in establishing good concentration and sati [mindfulness] provides an excellent foundation for the Taoist longevity meditation to follow. Those with experience who have previously attended meditation retreats are welcome and will be offered the opportunity to deepen their practice with meditations aimed specifically at their level of competence should they so require.

The course will include two sessions each day of chi yoga or general chi gung with an evening discourse relevant to the day’s practice.

This short retreat will be in silence and provides an excellent opportunity to experience the efficiency of tranquility as a means to strengthening and healing the mind and body. The principals taught during the meditations are equally effcient when taken into daily life and some emphasis will be placed on how to apply the principals to daily life.

Participants intending to attend this course may view it as a tonic that should provide a foundation for future progress as well as a means to gently energise the body and mind. Regardless of perceived ability, all participants will be supported so they are able to swiftly and with ease arrive at a reasonable level of competence in anapana sati and understand how to allow samattha to become part of their response to daily life. Depending on progress, participants may also begin to understand how to directly investigate materiality in the body and thus establish some of the foundation for beginning vipassana [insight] meditation

It will begin at 18.30 on Friday 1st may and will finish on Monday morning, 4th may at 07.00 . There will be no formal break for those who are staying on for the Taoist breathing.

2. TAOIST BREATHING AND MEDITATION 4th-8th May

This course will follow on directly from the introductory course. It is botha complemenary course and can stand alone for those who choose to arrive on Monday. Participants who have not attended the first part of the course may arrive at any time after 16.00 and at the latest at 18.30 when the course will formally begin. It may be taken seperately or in addition to the introductory course. Those who are new to Taoist breathing will be taken through the basic training. Those who have already attained [optimally] a 30 second breath [15/15] will meditate making use of the circular breathing. Open to all levels this course will include two daily sessions of waking dragon dao-in and basic chi gung to complement the breathing and meditation. An opportunity to enter the Taoist temple after tasting some methods of the buddhist theravadan tradition.

Both courses provide an opportunity to deepen or to establish practice. Both retreats support improving or maitnaining health and well being. A tranquil mind that is less and less obstructed by thoughts and habitual association can work vigorously if required. Tranquility supports and promotes deep rest and release. A body that can breath deeply and smoothly permits the mind to open to healing and release at levels that yield astonishing results. Taken together, participants will have a rare chance to explore the methods for the greatest results. “Success” in meditation does not depend on method alone but upon skilled application-here the opportunity lies to investigate the methods and to aproach a harmonious healing mind that is capable of healng the body as well as access to tranquility. The practices are self supporting so those who are more inclined towards one practice will find the other supports progress.