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8 Day Silent Zen Meditation and Yin Yoga Retreat, Portugal

Portugal
Budget Retreat Buddhist - Zen
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Amenities

Breakfast includedCounselling/TherapyLunch includedMeditation ClassesSupper IncludedYoga Classes

Description of the Retreat

Join us in the beautiful Portugese mountains for an 8-day intensive silent meditation retreat, including dharma teachings, group encounters, and Yin Yoga.

The first four and a half days will be spent in silence and the schedule will include zazen (seated meditation), Kinhin (walking meditation), Yin Yoga and dharma talks by our teacher Hamid.

Traditionally at the end of a silent retreat, the participants all leave with a little time to discuss the thoughts and feelings that came up for them during the silence.

However, at this retreat, we will have a group meeting on the last two days of the retreat, during which time we can share and open up with regards to whatever we have processed during the meditation sessions.

We can explore further different aspects of the teachings to offer a framework to help you make better sense of your experience, so as to support incorporating it into your daily lives.

This is an opportunity to spend time away from distractions and dedicate yourself wholeheartedly to meditation.

When the ripples of an over-active mind are calmed as you focus your attention on the present, the look you take at your life deepens.

Connecting your mind through Zen meditation will help you see the world and yourself with a greater sense of clarity.

Teacher/Teachings

HAMID EBADI
Our teacher, Hamid, has been a student of Zen for over 20 years and was ordained as a monk in 2000. He is also a trained counselor and this unique blend allows him to help participants fully open up and view their lives with greater clarity.

Born in Tehran, Iran he left his native land, becoming a nomad of the world.

Exposing himself to many different countries, cultures, languages, and traditions, Hamid settled in Paris in 1985 to study philosophy under Jacques Derrida the renowned French philosopher.

These early beginnings ignited a passionate philosophical and spiritual journey. Hamid has focused on gaining wisdom and insight through a varied and interesting educational process.

Drawn to meditation in the 1990’s Hamid encountered Japanese Zen Master Ryotan Tokuda in 1998, was ordained as a monk at Ei Tai-Ji Monastery in the South of France in 2000 and, in 2011, was authorized by his master to pass on these ancient teachings.

Expanding his educational journey, Hamid completed his School of Practitioners – Psychotherapy (École des Praticiens de la Psychothérapie) in Nice, France in 2005.

Realising that acquiring knowledge and understanding was only part of the equation, Hamid has continued his personal and professional development by sharing his expertise and experience conducting lectures, meditation retreats, and personal therapy sessions.

Hamid firmly believes that giving unconditional support and guidance is fundamental to a joyful existence.

Hamid’s lectures are truly inspiring, drawing, not only from personal experience but his combined Eastern and Western education.

He has the ability to delve into thought-provoking, interesting topics that truly resonate in today’s world and genuinely touch participants in a meaningful way.

His seminars are unique, inspiring, articulate and well thought out.

Hamid’s meditative teachings are brought to fruition in a comforting and comfortable way.

Leading the uninitiated and practiced practitioner with ease, he finds a unique balance that allows all participants to make the most of each experience.

Hamid also provides personal and professional counseling to those looking for additional support.

He understands that this type of relationship can only provide true benefit if he gives participants a safe empathetic place to be heard and supported.

JENNIFER STRETTON
Jen is a mountain guide, yoga teacher and Thai masseuse based in the French Alps.

She first met Hamid at the start of her spiritual journey at a yoga teacher training in Bali in 2012.

They stayed in touch over the years that followed and Jen has continued to explore Buddhist teachings under Hamid's guidance.

Jen assists in the organization of the retreats in Europe and teaches Yin Yoga during the retreats.

Facilities

Our retreat takes place at Karuna retreat centre which is a dedicated meditation retreat center located in the green mountains of Serra de Monchique in the Algarve.

Serra the Monchique is known for it’s healing thermal water, medicinal plants, pure air and lush green landscapes.

The retreat center offers a stunning view over Portugal's southern coast and the Atlantic Ocean and is just 20 minutes away from pristine beaches and less than 10 minutes away from the picturesque village of Monchique and Caldas de Monchique (Thermal SPA).

It is amongst one of the most secluded and silent places in this area and is home to a variety of local flora and fauna.

The property is isolated and perfect for those in search of silence, seclusion, and peace.

Participants will stay in shared, single sex dormitories and will share a toilet and shower with up to 3 people. Single rooms may be available on request for an additional fee.

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Food

3 delicious healthy vegan/vegetarian meals per day.

Fruit and tea available between meal times.

If you have any food allergies or specific diets please let us know and we will ask the retreat centre if they are able to cater for this.

Practical Information

COST OF THE RETREAT
350 euro deposit and 250 euros to be paid in cash on arrival.

WHAT TO BRING
Loose comfortable clothes for meditation and yoga
Sun cream
Towels
Personal toiletries
Notebook for taking notes during talks if you like
Head torch

TRAVEL INSURANCE SUGGESTIONS
All participants must ensure they have full travel insurance, including to cover cancellation as we do not offer a deposit refund.

HOW TO GET TO OUR RETREAT
Fly to Faro Airport (FAO) (only 1h15min from the retreat center by car).

There are two ways to get to the center from Faro Airport.

1. Take a shuttle bus to the town of Portimão (this bus leaves every 30 minutes or so and costs about €12 and takes about 30-45 minutes). From Portimão you can take a 40-minute bus to the town of Monchique.

Once in Monchique, you'll need to take a cab to Karuna - this will cost you about €10.

2. Take a cab from Faro Airport to the center directly. This will cost you between €80-100. There are many cab services at the airport but you'll need to provide them the GPS coordinates (GPS location: 37.301188, -8.520400).

3. Book a taxi pick up from a taxi driver who already knows the way. We recommend Alfredo and his number is +351 910211700 (he speaks a little bit of English, you just need to speak to him slowly and clearly).

He charges €85 for this trip. If you use WhatsApp and tell him all your flight details and name he'll be waiting for you at the airport with a sign.

We have created a facebook group for participants to share their travel plans to make getting from the airport to the accommodation easier and to allow participants to share taxi costs.

Testimonials

Testimonials:

'It's been almost 2 weeks that we ended our intensive silent meditation retreat in Portugal, and I don't really have precise enough words to describe my feelings and my gratitude. Hamid and Jen succeeded to create a bubble of warm security and kindness. Hamid's accompaniment is exceptional; full of loving-kindness and acceptance. I'm so grateful for the quality of this very intense experience. Hamid, thank you for being such a beautiful container, thank you for your teachings, your kindness, and your authenticity. Jen, thank you for your infinite care, your kindness, and your amazing organization!' (Catherine)

'My husband and I were lucky enough to be able to attend Hamid's Meditation Retreat at 9 House in Ubud in November. There were only 8 spaces available and it was a real treat to be able to have such an intimate setting and learn from Hamid over the 3 days. We enjoyed the structure of both sitting and walking meditation and another favorite thing was the silent mealtimes (difficult at first) but we enjoyed being present and actually chewing our food for the first time in a long time! Thank you, Hamid, definitely a skill that we will continue to learn and use for the rest of our lives.' (Louise)

'I think if everyone in the world had a Hamid in their life, the world could perhaps be a truly beautiful and peaceful place. I have been a student of Hamid for more than 3 years now and his presence and teachings have opened my heart and mind and helped guide me towards moments of true peace, honesty, and acceptance inside and out. I have sat with him in silence and retreat in Bali and Australia, talked his ear off, cried with him and laughed. He is a beautiful teacher and anyone with an opportunity to sit with him and step into that space will be truly rewarded.' (Kory)

8 Day Silent Zen Meditation and Yin Yoga Retreat, Portugal

Maitri Retreats

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