A Mindfulness Meditation Retreat
Led by Bhante Tapovane Sutadhara
I am pleased to introduce the program for the day-long Meditation Retreat held on May 13, 2017 from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. We will spend the day in mindfulness, with awareness of our bodies, thoughts, and feelings, and with minimal talking or thinking of general matters. You are encouraged to attend the whole day, but if it is not possible, you are welcome to come for half a day.
The Retreat will be led by Bhante (meaning Rev.) Tapovane Sutadhara. Bhante Sutadhara is a Sri Lankan Buddhist monk, a distinguished scholar, and a certified Yoga instructor. Joining him will be Bhante Shanta, also a distinguished scholar, and abbot of Dharmapala Institute, our temple in Milpitas. As I have said often, they are my respected teachers. (See below to learn more about them.)
What you need to bring on this day are: a yoga mat, a favorite cushion if you have one, a hat for outside meditations, and most importantly, an open mind and a strong resolution to get the best of the Retreat.
A nutritious vegetarian lunch (from Whole Foods) and other refreshments will be served. As always, dress comfortably. Light colored clothing is preferred to avoid distracting other participants.
Please note that in keeping with Buddhist tradition, this Retreat is on a donation basis. All donations are voluntary, and will be accepted with deep gratitude.
Please have breakfast at home before coming. Because we will have a 1/2 hour yoga session from 9:45 to 10:15 am, please be sure to have your breakfast by 7 am.
Morning
8:30-9:00 am
9:00-9:30 am
9:30-9:45 am
9:45-10:15 am
10:15-10:45 am
10:45-11:30 am
11:30 am -1 pm
“Making the Best of this Retreat and General Meditation Instructions” by Bhante Sutadhara
Loving Kindness Meditation
Recess
Mindful Yoga, led by Bhante Sutadhara
Mindful Breathing Meditation
Open discussion with the Bhantes
Vegetarian Lunch and Rest Period (You can read, write, reflect, or rest during this time. Suitable reading material will be available for your perusal.)
Afternoon
1:00-1:30 pm
1:30-2:00 pm
2:00-2:30 pm
2:30-3:00 pm
3:00-3:30 pm
3:30-4:45 pm
4:45 -5:00 pm
Walking Meditation led by Bhante Shanta
Discourse on “Importance of Awareness of Thoughts” by Bhante Sutadhara
Meditating on Thoughts
Discussion of Meditating on Thoughts
Recess and afternoon tea
Reflections on, and open discussion of, the day’s experiences and any other questions relating to your meditation experiences
Chanting in Pali the Karaniya Metta Sutta (the Loving Kindness Meditation discourse) by the Bhantes, and extending kind and compassionate thoughts to all beings
We will close following a short expression of gratitude by Usha for Bhante Sutadhara and for Bhante Shanta
About the Teachers
Ven. T. Sutadhara
Bhante Sutadhara entered the order of Buddhist Monks in 1966, at Tapovanaya Buddhist Monastery of Sri Lanka, one of the oldest Meditation Monasteries in the island. There, he trained under one of Sri Lanka’s most renowned Vipassana (Insight) Meditation Masters at the time, Ven. Kudawelle Vangessa Maha Thero, and was also privileged to be guided by other well known teachers of the time.
Bhante Sutadhara earned his B.A. in Linguistics (1986) and B.A. in Buddhist Textual Studies (1981) in Sri Lanka. He earned his M.A. in Linguistics from the University of Hawaii in 1995.
Before coming to the U.S., Bhante was a Senior Lecturer in the Dept. of Linguistics, University of Kelaniya. There he also held the following positions: Head, Dept. of Linguistics; Coordinator, M.A. Degree Program; Head, English Language Teaching Unit; and Senior Student Counselor.
Today, Bhante Sutadhara is the Director of The Ventura Buddhist Studies Center, a Vietnamese Buddhist temple, where he has lived for the last 12 years. In addition to his duties, he teaches bi-weekly Vipassana Meditation classes, travels widely as an invited speaker at other institutions, and comes to the Bay Area once a month to lead the day-long retreat at Dharmapala Institute, the Sri Lankan temple in Milpitas.
Ven. Kannadeniye Shanta Thero
Bhante Shanta is the chief incumbent monk of the Dharmapala Institute. He holds a B.A. and a M.A. degree in Buddhism from the University of Kelaniya. He also holds a Diploma in Education from the University of Colombo, and a degree in Thripitaka (Thripitakavedi) from Bikkhu University of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka.
Bhante Shanta is the patron of Siddhayaurveda Vaidya Nikethanaya (an Ayurvedic Treatment Center) and the director of Sri Vajiragnanodhaya Pirivena in Yakkala (Training Center for monks) Sri Lanka.
Bhante arrived in the US in 2004. Since then, he has served as the abbot of Dharmapala Institute, establishing a strong community involvement in all philosophical aspects of dhamma, and reaching out to members of the community, both young and old alike. The Bhante has extensive knowledge of Buddhist philosophy and teachings, and is conversant in both English and Sinhala languages.