C T Posted January 10, 2010 (edited) Hey Folks, Â http://www.bhavanasociety.org/index/ Â A friend sent on this link about a Theravadin Buddhist Monastery in West Virginia, under the guidance of Bhante Gunaratana, one of the most venerated Buddhist monks alive today. I have heard many good words spoken about this teacher. To give you an idea of this man, here's a short talk he gave on Youtube called "What is Samatha/Vipassana?" : Â The center regularly runs free retreats all year round. Just had a look at their schedule, and it appears very full until summer. Their next open weeklong retreat (called "Mindfulness") is on the 10th of July. Â For those who live close to West Virginia, or who may be interested to attend group retreats or do personal ones, it might be an idea to check this center out. Looks like a really supportive environment to spend some time exploring and deepening Meditation and Mindfulness practices. Â If anyone have had the opportunity to visit this monastery, attended any retreats there, or had listened to live talks given by Bhante Gunaratana, please share your thoughts and reviews here. Â Thanks. Edited January 10, 2010 by CowTao Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Deepbluesea Posted January 11, 2010 (edited) Hey Folks, Â http://www.bhavanasociety.org/index/ Â A friend sent on this link about a Theravadin Buddhist Monastery in West Virginia, under the guidance of Bhante Gunaratana, one of the most venerated Buddhist monks alive today. I have heard many good words spoken about this teacher. To give you an idea of this man, here's a short talk he gave on Youtube called "What is Samatha/Vipassana?" : Â The center regularly runs free retreats all year round. Just had a look at their schedule, and it appears very full until summer. Their next open weeklong retreat (called "Mindfulness") is on the 10th of July. Â For those who live close to West Virginia, or who may be interested to attend group retreats or do personal ones, it might be an idea to check this center out. Looks like a really supportive environment to spend some time exploring and deepening Meditation and Mindfulness practices. Â If anyone have had the opportunity to visit this monastery, attended any retreats there, or had listened to live talks given by Bhante Gunaratana, please share your thoughts and reviews here. Â Â Â Thanks. Â Â Â Many thanks, bro. Â I will check this out, it is very close to me! Edited January 11, 2010 by Deepbluesea Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sunya Posted January 11, 2010 I wish I lived closer.. thank you for the recommendation Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
forestofclarity Posted January 11, 2010 I attended a retreat there. Great center, beautiful location, good food, 100% on dana. Bhante Rahula is a great teacher. I highly recommend it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest paul walter Posted January 12, 2010 Wow those Theravadians sure know how to live it up. I'd definately stay here over the Hilton when I wanted a holiday from mundane existence. Paul. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
voidisyinyang Posted January 12, 2010 I almost biked there from Minnesota. I corresponded with email and was told that it would take several months to process my application. So I figured if I biked there then they would know I was serious because they don't allow cars after a certain point into the monastery. Also no cell phones. I was like - cool I have not driven a car since 2001 and I've never had a cell phone. Â I also said I would donate all my personal savings to the monastery but that is not allowed so they don't get crazy people who want to completely turn away from mundane reality to become monks -- at least not until after the crazy person can prove themselves compatible with the other monks. haha. Â Â Â Hey Folks, Â http://www.bhavanasociety.org/index/ Â A friend sent on this link about a Theravadin Buddhist Monastery in West Virginia, under the guidance of Bhante Gunaratana, one of the most venerated Buddhist monks alive today. I have heard many good words spoken about this teacher. To give you an idea of this man, here's a short talk he gave on Youtube called "What is Samatha/Vipassana?" : Â The center regularly runs free retreats all year round. Just had a look at their schedule, and it appears very full until summer. Their next open weeklong retreat (called "Mindfulness") is on the 10th of July. Â For those who live close to West Virginia, or who may be interested to attend group retreats or do personal ones, it might be an idea to check this center out. Looks like a really supportive environment to spend some time exploring and deepening Meditation and Mindfulness practices. Â If anyone have had the opportunity to visit this monastery, attended any retreats there, or had listened to live talks given by Bhante Gunaratana, please share your thoughts and reviews here. Â Thanks. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites