Preparation
If you’re new to TWIM method, at minimum please read through the supporting materials below.
Brief Loving Kindness Instructions
Instructions for Metta Meditation and 6Rs by Bhante Vimalaramsi (YouTube)
Comprehensive set of supporting materials can be found here: https://www.dhammasukha.org/support-page-for-online-retreats.html.
Daily Schedule
The online retreat can be done alongside your normal daily living. However, it is totally up to you on how deeply you want to take the practice over the next 10 days (e.g. silent self-retreat). Each day, the foundation will provide daily reflection theme which will require you to read through the suttas, supporting notes and dhamma talk on the topic. We recommend you set aside at least 4 hours each day to dedicate your time to the retreat. In terms of taking precepts, depending on your personal circumstances, you can decide to take 6 or 8 precepts.
Every Morning:
Meditate
All sessions should be a minimum of 30min. Remember to keep a smile!
Morning/ Afternoon:
- Daily Theme: Reading Sutta, Explanation Notes and Dhamma Talk on the topic (the materials will be provided to your mailbox daily so you can focus and reflect on each day’s topic.)
- Meditate (if possible)
- (if available) interview with teacher
Evening:
- 30 mins Group Zoom Q&A with Delson (timing may vary dependant on your time zone)
- Mediate before you go to bed if you’re not too tired
Retreat Daily Themes and Dhamma Talks
This retreat is centered on the Six R’s, using the Brahmaviharas as one’s object of meditation, with a sutta-based reflection on the fundamentals of the Dhamma that guide one to Nibbana, namely –
- The Four Foundations of Mindfulness (or Effective Observation of the Four Aspects of Conditioned Existence)
- The Five Aggregates
- The Three Characteristics
- The Four Noble Truths
- The Seven Factors of Awakening
- The Eightfold Path of the Noble Ones
- The Twelve Links of Dependent Origination
- Kamma, Consciousness and Rebirth
The suttas and themes that will be explored for each Dhamma talk are as per follows – details will be shared one day prior to the retreat start
Day 1 – Effective Choice and Effective Application
Day 2 – Effective Observation
Day 3 – Effective Collectedness
Day 4 – Effective Vision
Day 5 – The Five Aggregates
Day 6 – Consciousness and Rebirth
Day 7 – Kamma and Cessation
Day 8 – Eightfold Path of the Noble Ones
Day 9 – The Arahant
General Do’s and Don’ts:
- Please keep your 5 or 8 precepts (taking virtues) strictly while you are on retreat. We recommend you recite them daily in the morning.
- We recommend no ‘general interest’ readings while you’re on the retreat, other than the retreat daily reflection materials.
- Avoid listening to music or consuming any entertainments.
- We recommend you observe quietness and do not talk unless it is a necessary communication.
- Please don’t cross your arms or legs while listening to a Dhamma talk. This is a closed thinking position, you cannot retain the information while receiving it in this position.
- You may sit in the chairs while listening to talks or meditating. There is no “magic” in the floor. Chairs are good for long sits.
- Do not use timers. If your sitting is going well, sit longer. You can open your eyes to check the clock occasionally.
- Please follow TWIM instructions and don’t mix practices. This confuses the mind and slows down your progress.
- Always sit for at least 30 min and walk 15 minutes to 45 min -longer walking periods will tire you out.
- Do not discuss your meditation with other meditators- just the teacher at interviews.
- Always give honest answers in your interviews so that the teacher can properly assess your progress and offer you the best advice.
- Please let us know whether you are maintaining a Bodhisattva vow as it may affect your meditation. Video here.
