Annual Self-Retreat

We warmly invite you to join our Annual Self-Retreat, dedicated to the practice of Vipassana (Insight) meditation in the Mahasi tradition. Held in the peaceful and supportive environment of our new center, this flexible retreat offers a rare opportunity to step away from daily life, cultivate deep mindfulness, and nurture inner peace. Practitioners are welcome to join us for a single day or longer anytime between December 1, 2026, and January 31, 2027.

Registration & Guidelines:

To join the retreat, all yogis must complete the Annual Meditation Retreat Application Form on our website and receive approval prior to attending.

• Length of Stay: Flexible—participants are welcome to join for a single day, a weekend, or an extended stay.
• Space Limitations: Due to limited capacity, registrations are processed on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to SMSC members.

Meals & Food Preparation

• Main Meals: Yogis are responsible for preparing their own main meals (breakfast and lunch).
• Provided by the Center: SMSC will provide staples including rice, fruits, nuts, desserts, tea, coffee, milk, and juices.

Accommodations & Guidelines

• Accommodations: Bedrooms may be shared by up to two yogis.
• What to Bring:
  • Sleeping bag
  • Loose, modest clothing (suitable for meditation)
  • Towels and personal toiletries
  • Sufficient clothing for the duration of your stay
• Carpooling: If you are able to offer a ride to a fellow yogi, please let us know in your application. We will do our best to coordinate carpooling.
• Cost / Dana: There is no fixed fee. Voluntary donations (Dana) are deeply appreciated to help cover the center’s ongoing operational costs.

Orientation

1. Sign in on Yogi Guest Book upon arrival.

1. Washrooms: Pick a time and write your name beside on the form to select a shower time.

3. Interview schedule: The teacher will assign after arrival.

4. Always sit at the same seat at meals.

1. Gather around the food serving area before meals to reflect upon food and express gratitude towards meal donors and volunteers.

6. Always walk at your chosen location.

7. Always be seated 2-3 mins before the Dhamma talk and Loving-Kindness chanting, and wait mindfully for the teacher in a sitting posture.

Guidelines:

1. Keeping nine precepts is mandatory.

2. Maintain noble silence throughout the retreat.

3. Practice Insight through the Mindfulness method (Mahasi Tradition) only.

4. All movements and behaviours must be slow at all times.

5. All yogis sit on the floor with their backs straight.

6. The teacher will ask anyone who becomes a disturbance to leave.

7. Deposit all electronic devices with the camp manager.

By order of the SMSC Board of Directors

SMSC Retreat Daily Schedule

Time and Activity:

4:30 am Morning wake-up bell

5:00 am Taking 9 Precepts and radiate loving-kindness

6:00 am breakfast (eat mindfully)

7:00 am Walking

8:00 am Sitting

9:00 am Walking

10:00 am Sitting

11:00 am Lunch (eat mindfully)

12:00 Noon Walking

1:00 pm Sitting

2:00 pm Walking

3:00 pm Sitting

4:00 pm Juice break

4:30 pm Walking

5:00 pm Sitting

6:00 pm Walking

7:00 pm Taking 9 Precepts and Dhamma Talk

8:00 pm Walking

9:00 pm Sitting

10:00 pm Self-practice

Please contact: info@satipatthana.ca if you have any questions.