10 of the world’s best meditation retreats
Dear students and friends,
I came across this article on CNN and thought that I should share it with all of my blog readers. The article is on 10 of the best meditation retreats in the world!
When I read it, I couldn’t help but think that it’s very much how I would like Kechara Forest Retreat (KFR) to be. A place where you can get away from the bustling crowd and heavy traffic in the city, and to find some peace, quiet and serenity away from it all. In the case of KFR, within the beautiful forest of Malaysia…
KFR is located an hour away from KL, the capital city of Malaysia. It’s 35 acres and we are almost finished with the construction of the meditation hall. There’s a lot of exciting activities and news coming up. Stay tuned! Hehe
Take a look at the article below on the Top 10 best meditation retreats…
Tsem Rinpoche
10 of the world’s best meditation retreats
[Extracted from: http://edition.cnn.com/2013/06/25/travel/best-meditation-retreats/?hpt=hp_c5]
(CNN) — Adventure travel isn’t always about riding waves and ascending heights — sometimes it’s about heading inside, to explore the realm of our inner worlds.
While it might be counter-intuitive to travel long distances to sit with a bunch of silent strangers, meditation retreats offer guidance to those on an internal quest.
“Every wise culture knows that there are times that are important to walk out in the desert or in the mountains, or go on retreat and listen,” says Jack Kornfield, a meditation teacher whose books include “The Wise Heart” and “Bringing Home the Dharma.”
“Quiet the mind and open the heart and listen deeply. In the cycles of our life, that serves almost everyone.”
It’s common to worry about a week without conversation, meat or sleeping in. But those who persevere are rewarded.
“It turns out in almost every case that they love it,” says Kornfield. “Things that seem like they might be difficult, such as silence, turn out to be right away a splendid gift.”
Rules vary, but many dedicated centers will ask for a temporary vow of silence during most or all of your time as a visitor.
A rule of thumb is to look for teachers with a good reputation and who come from a long tradition rather than a self-proclaimed guru.
Be realistic about your physical needs and creature comforts. Austere conditions may prompt insight into the difference between what you want and want you need.
A traditional Buddhist meditation retreat starts early in the morning; nonprofits will likely expect you to do a work period (cut those carrots mindfully) and to pick up after yourself.
More than anything, says Kornfield, look for “a place that’s known for love, [with] a spirit of loving kindness and compassion in everything that it does.”
Spirit Rock, California
Once San Francisco’s northern suburbs give way to what looks like Tolkein’s shire, the hills of Spirit Rock appear.
Native Americans once used this land for spiritual rites; even the wild deer and turkeys are calm, without any need to flinch from humans.
Residential retreats, held throughout the year, run as long as two months.
“Some come for healing, either the healing of the heart or the healing of the body,” says Jack Kornfield, one of Spirit Rock’s founding teachers. “Some come because they are in life transition and need to listen deeply to what is the next thing that is asked of them or how to deal with some great change.
“As they quiet themselves, as they walk in nature, as they listen to their own breath and their own feelings and thoughts more deeply, they grow a sense of stillness and clarity.
“And we see it on their faces. We call it sometimes the vipassana [insight meditation] facelift. You look at the shining faces of people after a week of retreat, and they look like they are 10 years younger. They’re brighter; their presence and spirit has been renewed.”
www.spiritrock.org
Plum Village, France
For Thich Nhat Hanh, the Vietnamese monk whom Martin Luther King Jr. nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, cultivating lucidity is a means to connecting with yourself and others.
“When you are mindful of something, you are concentrated on it, and the power of mindful concentration can help you see things as they really are and you discover the nature of interbeing,” he recently told Shambhala Sun.
The monastery in southern France that he and about 200 monks and nuns call home welcomes visitors of all ages and features one lazy, unstructured day per week.
www.plumvillage.org
Dalai Lama’s teachings, Dharamsala, India
When the Dalai Lama teaches in India, where he sought refuge after fleeing his native Tibet, his talks are typically free and open to the public.
Eleven Directions bridges the gap between the Nobel Peace Prize winner’s talks and negotiating a week or so in Dharamsala, the center of the Tibetan community in exile and destination for many a spiritual pilgrim.
Accommodation options include a guesthouse run by the Dalai Lama’s brother.
Shantum Seth, a Zen priest, advocates being fully open and aware when traveling, and is widely praised by Western Buddhists as the go-to guide in the Himalayas.
His tour in Dharamsala is for those who want to connect with and discuss Tibetan culture and practices; other itineraries include “In the Footsteps of the Buddha.”
www.buddhapath.com
Mindfulness-based stress reduction at Glenview Hotel and Leisure Club, Ireland
In the 1970s, Jon Kabat-Zinn pioneered Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) at the University of Massachusetts Medical School for patients (and staff) to help manage the physical and psychological impacts of stress, pain and sickness.
The approach strips away talk about dharma and karma to offer meditation techniques straight up.
Their Center for Mindfulness hosts an annual conference for scientists on how meditation impacts health care and vice versa, and has contributed to scientific understanding of how meditation affects the brain and immune system.
Mindfulness Tools for Living the Full Catastrophe is a five-day residential version of MBSR, which is taught around the world.
This summer, Ananda hosts a session at Ireland’s Glenview Hotel — ideal for somebody who wants a location with all the typical traveler amenities.
www.umassmed.edu
The Buddhist Retreat Centre, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Just a 90-minute drive from Durban, the Buddhist Retreat Centre’s remote location in Ixopo feels fully rural.
Former President Nelson Mandela awarded the center National Heritage status for its environmentally friendly approach to using indigenous plants and helping to save the endangered Blue Swallow.
Accordingly, walking and bird-watching on the extensive property are encouraged.
In addition to scheduled meditation retreats, people in search of solitude are also welcome to come and get away from the modern world on their own.
Located in a traditional Zulu tribal area, the community here does outreach work with the local population through Woza Moya in the Ufafa Valley.
www.brcixopo.co.za
Wat Suan Mokkh, Chaiya, Thailand
Starting on the first day of each month, this forest refuge offers 10-day meditation retreats.
All levels are welcome, but the conditions are rugged; in the words of Ajahn Buddhadasa, who founded the hermitage: “Live plainly, aim high.”
At registration, you turn in your cell phone; beds are a straw mat and wooden pillow.
The wake-up bell is at 4 a.m.
The Garden of Liberation regularly attracts foreigners and is a good choice for those seeking an authentic forest monk experience with instruction in English.
www.suanmokkh-idh.org
Ala Kukui, Hawaii
The idea for Ala Kukui, or “Pathway of Illumination,” was inspired by the events of September 11.
This sanctuary is situated among hills and fruit trees on 12 rural acres in Maui, with views of both the Pacific Ocean and Haleakala.
Various offerings throughout the year draw locals and long-haul visitors.
Among specialties is a residential retreat for war veterans that acknowledges and aims to heal the extreme PTSD, grief and loss that soldiers often struggle with.
Programs in hula, writing and yoga are also available.
www.alakukui.org
Assisi Retreat Home & Hermitage, Assisi, Italy
If the Italian countryside gives you piece of mind, you can take comfort in the centuries-old farmhouse with four guest rooms.
Morning and evening meditation periods are bookends for days spent exploring Assisi — a “spiritual walking tour of the ancient holy sites” is an option — or the Umbrian countryside.
Retreats are conducted in English; kitchen space is provided to prepare your own meals.
www.assisiretreats.org
Gampo Abbey, Nova Scotia, Canada
Gampo Abbey is geared toward monastic life in the Shambhala tradition. Residents typically make at least a yearlong commitment, but those with a regular meditation practice are welcome to come for a week during the summer in-house season.
Those wanting to study with Gampo Abbey’s principal teacher Ani Pema Chödrön (born Deirdre Blomfield-Brown in New York) can do so this year at the less austere Omega Institute in New York State.
www.gampoabbey.org
Kripalu, Massachusetts
Located in the Berkshires just down the road from Tanglewood, the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Kripalu is primarily a yoga center.
The woodsy setting overlooking a lake is iconic New England, whether the branches are heavy with winter snow or bursting with the colors of spring, summer and autumn.
Most visitors sign up for a course — often a yoga specialty, including teacher training in Kripalu’s signature method, which emphasizes personal expression.
But many other programs, such as meditation, mindful running and couple’s massage, are also offered.
Yoga and dance for all levels are available several times per day for all visitors, and during school vacation periods, kid-oriented choices like CircusYoga are available.
Keeping with the property’s monastic history, living quarters are basic: many opt for dorm rooms with bunk beds and community baths. Some private rooms are available.
Vegetarian-friendly meals are served cafeteria-style. (Breakfasts are silent.)
New management has introduced Wi-Fi, coffee and all manner of chocolate.
A vast menu of bodywork, including massage, facials and ayurvedic consultations, can be booked ahead of time or on-site.
www.kripalu.org
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Thank you for sharing this article with us.It is really good and interesting .After looking at the retreat places inn this article ,i feel that the need for spiritual event has grown .
I am grateful because we have Kechara Forest Retreat nearby and no need to go far away to other countries.Hopefully one day Kechara Forest Retreat will be listed as the top 10 best meditation retreats.
“Quiet the mind and open the heart and listen deeply. In the cycles of our life, that serves almost everyone.”
A meditation retreat is definitely more beneficial than a holiday to the beach, exploring cities, museums and historical sites because the take back are more than a temporary escapism from one’a stressful life. After a fun holiday, it’s back to the same shit hole.
Going for a retreat is an entirely different ballgame. Many that came to Kechara Forest Retreat goes back home with the methods to help them face their challenges, have heightened awareness and even as basic as a refreshed and relaxed mind, body and spirit.
It would serve the world to have more of these places around the world. Malaysia is very lucky to have Kechara Forest Retreat which is one of a kind in this region. One day, KFR will make it to the CNN list. ?
Wow …how wonderful if Kechara Forest Retreat is CNN’s list of top 10 best meditation retreats.Kechara Forest retreat has everything like those top best retreats with the beauty,calmness and stimulating environment surounding by greenery hills close to nature.
Retreats are useful for individuals as a way to evaluate their life’s direction away from work stress,depression,mental inbalance and so forth.Most important is to return home refreshed, restored and ready to tackle whatever life ahead.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing all the interesting ten best meditation retreats .
May Kechara Forest Retreat listed into the top 10 list of best meditation retreats one day in the near furture.
Thank you, Rinpoche, for sharing the CNN’s list of top 10 best meditation retreats. CNN has rightly put it that we need to find time to “Quiet the mind and open the heart and listen deeply. In the cycles of our life, that serves almost everyone.” Contrary to common belief, a week without speech and meat, as well as picking after oneself can turn out to be “a splendid gift.”
I like the simple guideline by CNN on what to look out for when searching for retreat centers; it should be where the teachers are with good reputation and from a long tradition rather than a self-proclaimed guru. Kechara Forest Retreat certainly meets all the criteria. We don’t have to go far to quiet down, listen to oneself and heal.
Thank you for sharing these amazing places with us from CNN. I agree with what Rinpoche has said in the beginning of the article about wanting KFR to become like one of these magnificent retreat places. We are very fortunate that we do not need to go far away to other countries to search for the meditation retreats, but we can do it in Kechara Forest Retreat _/\_
Dear Rinpoche ,
Thank you for sharing these amazing places with us. Each of these places focuses on inner peace, spirituality and also mindfulness. Kechara Forest Retreat will become something similar or even better with Rinpoche’s guidance and vision. People can come to heal their body and mind and be in touch with dharma at the same time. May Rinpoche’s vision for Kechara Forest Retreat cab manifest as soon as possible.
Humbly ,
Chris Chong
Having places of beauty in serene conditions is helpful to bring us faster to a whole new level of clarity and peer into those subtle or obscured parts of our psyche.
The fact that the West embraced meditation as a method for healing shows that they are open to alternative methods from other cultures. I think it is because of the courage and willingness to explore better techniques that they have benefited from meditation.
It was mentioned that one should learn meditation from a teacher who has good reputation or a teacher came from proven tradition, not those self proclaimed teacher. This is a very good advice because we don’t want to waste our time to explore unproven paths as our lifetime is limited. By the time we know that the path is ineffective then it would be too late.
克切拉禅修林绝对可以媲美全世界十大世界最美的禅修冥想中心，我们可以远离熙熙攘攘的人群，远离车水马龙的城市，在克切拉禅修林可以找到一些和平，宁静与安详远离烦躁世界的一切。
现代的繁华都市都令人喘不过气，有很多人的城市人都因为生活过度压力而患有精神病症，忧郁症等等。
现代人都需要治疗，那是身心灵的治疗，生活的过渡压力会造成负面情绪，在此我们需要深入倾听自己内在的声音，让自己安静下来，只有在大自然的国度中漫步，才听见自己的呼吸和自己的感受，这样可以使自己的想法更深入，让我们再一次的成长在寂静里，那么我们会逐渐达到清晰感。
Noted
Sometimes, we may need to have such ‘space’ for ourselves to calm our mind, open the heart and listen deeply. With that, we can make a choice to go back to the nature to have ‘natural breath and touch’.
I’m grateful that we may not need to go far away to other countries to search for the meditation retreats, but we can do it in Kechara Forest Retreat.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this article extracted from CNN and I sincerely hope the aspiration of Rinpoche to be realised soon.
With folded hands,
Alice
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this article from CNN with us. It was very interesting and made me think about a few things.
One, i agree with what Rinpoche has said in the beginning of the article about wanting KFR to become like one of these magnificent retreat places. The people of Malaysia need a place to go where they can find themselves and be in peace with the environment. We should aim for KFR to be that kind of place. KFR is already on the verge of this with many retreat programs already being set up, now the only thing left is to continue with what we are doing and attract more people.
Two, after reading this article it made me think, personally, its not about the environment which makes an area worthy of a retreat. It doesn’t matter if there are tress of if it is peace (of course it would help) but its about the people you are with the clarity of your mind. If you are with the right people and you have a determined, clear mind, you can basically have a retreat anywhere. Thats my thoughts.
Three, after looking at all the meditational retreat places around the world, it hit me that the need for such spiritual events has grown over the years. Today more and more people are attracted to meditation and spiritual realisation. And i just want to say, i like the fact that this is happening.
Again, thank you Rinpoche for posting this information and sharing with us.
Meditation is very popular all over the world as more people are experiencing the amazing benefits. Others call it mindfulness training because meditation has a religious connotation. Whatever the label, stilling the mind does have incredible results. My cousin does it to lower his high blood pressure. Some do it to be more effective at work. Spiritual practitioners meditate to gain greater insight to life.
We are Kechara Forest Retreat offer meditation programs to all walks of life who are curious and or interested to know more about meditation and experience the benefits during the program. When they return home, they can continue to meditate and incorporate it into their daily lifestyle. For more info, please log on to http://retreat.kechara.com/inner-peace-retreat/ (BEGINNERS LEVEL) and http://retreat.kechara.com/inner-reflection-retreat/ (INTERMEDIATE LEVEL)