Going Against The Stream
An Insight Meditation Retreat with Dave Smith
30 January – 6 February, 2016
During this 7 day Insight Meditation retreat we will focus our attention on our breath, body, heart and mind. The instructions will be based upon the Four Foundations of Mindfulness in combination with exercises in loving-kindness and compassion. Each day will include periods of sitting and walking meditation, Dharma talks, interviews and some group process.
Using a hybrid of mindfulness and loving-kindness meditation techniques, Dave will offer an experience of the teachings and practices of early Buddhism. We will learn how to develop a greater sense of care for ourselves and for our world through the revolutionary practices of the Dharma. During this retreat we will begin to see addiction and attachment as cravings in the mind and body. These practices will guide us to a path of meditative awareness, which can alleviate and ease suffering.
This silent retreat will explore the many ways that true spiritual practice is an engagement with life that goes against the stream of the confusion of this world and is therefore an act of rebellion. This ancient path of awakening our own deepest wisdom and compassion is accessible to all who choose it. We hope that you will join us.
About Dave Smith: Dave Smith is a Buddhist meditation teacher and addiction treatment specialist trained to teach by Noah Levine, founder of Against the Stream Buddhist Meditation Society, and has received training in Buddhist psychology from the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies (BCBS). As a long-time Buddhist practitioner and recovering addict, he has been working closely with recovering addicts for the past six years, during which time he operated intensive programs and trainings as the local director for the Mind Body Awareness Project (MBA). Dave has extensive experience bringing meditative interventions into jails, prisons, youth detention centers and addiction treatment facilities. He is the guiding teacher and program director of the Against the Stream Nashville Meditation Center and teaches over 300 meditation classes and workshops a year. He provides direct services for Mental Health Agencies, Public Libraries, and speaks regularly at Addiction and Behavioral Health Conferences.
Retreat Information:
The retreat is open to all levels of meditators. The language of instruction will be English. Please note that the entire retreat will be held in silence, except for the last day.
The retreat will begin on the evening of Saturday, January 30 at 19:30pm. It will end on the afternoon of Saturday, February 6.
Check-in will take place from 13:30pm to 16:00pm on Saturday, January 30. A tour will take place at 17:00pm the same day, and dinner will be served at 18:30pm.
Places are limited so please sign up immediately so that we can reserve a room for you. For more information, please contact us at: retreats@newlifethaifoundation.com
Please DO NOT send your retreat fee prior to registering with us at the above email address. Kindly send an email first to check room availability.
Please note that New Life is a non-profit organisation. The fee covers only the costs of holding the retreat, including food, electricity, accommodation, and the teacher’s travel expenses. Being a young foundation, we need a lot of support, so additional donations are very welcome! Please help us spread the word and bring some friends.
Our community practices noble silence from 21:30pm until 08:00am the next morning (until 09:00am on Sundays).
We are a vegetarian community. Simple, healthy meals will be served, consisting of breakfast with fruit, eggs, cereal, bread, and yoghurt, and Thai-style meals for lunch and dinner. We cannot cater to special diets, but do let us know if have any food allergies.
All rooms come with ensuite bathroom, warm water shower, ceiling fan, sheets and towels. The number of places available are limited so please register quickly.
Retreat fee:
9800 baht per person, ensuite single room
The retreat fee covers 7 nights’ accommodation on January 30 and 31 and February 1/2/3/4/5 and all meals.
NB: An added cost of 800 baht per person per night applies if you wish to stay at the foundation after the retreat ends. Please check space availability with us at time of registration. The retreat fee must be paid in full, in advance. Please notify us of payment details and send a copy of the transfer receipt so that we can complete your registration.
Want to stay for longer? Enquire about our resident or volunteer programs!
Location: New Life Foundation
No. 49 Moo 1, Tambol Don Sila, Amphoe Wiang Chai, Chiang Rai, Thailand
The retreat fee does not include transportation to and from the retreat location. There are a number of low-cost carriers within Thailand and the Asia region if you would like to fly to Chiang Rai. Buses are also a good option. Taxis and tuk-tuks that will take you straight to the foundation can be hired at the airport or bus station.
Things to bring:
– Light, comfortable clothing, e.g. loose pants, shirts, skirts and shawls
– A light jumper or jacket and socks as it can be a little cool in January and February
– A raincoat or umbrella in case of rain
– Mosquito repellent: this is a natural environment and we do not use pesticides
– A bathing suit: if you would like to use the swimming pool or steam bath
– A torch: the foundation grounds are very dark at night
– A refillable water bottle: we have a natural filtration system for drinking water
– Your own toiletries
– Your own cup or mug
Green Papaya Sangha 