Retreat - Retreat Overview

We will all be together:
Practice and be, cook and eat, talk and be silent, tidy and keep order, focus and respect, practice conscious action and promote mindfulness in what we do. It is an advantage if we all stay in the same place, but this can be looked at individually in advance, as the places are different and partly limited. The retreat is about ourselves and how we recognize our limits but also our potential. Nevertheless, everyone goes to their limits, but not beyond them, because everyone is responsible for their own well-being. It is desirable to discuss this with the teacher at any time. He will accompany you on the path of inner work. The daily routine has a basic structure but we let the Dao prevail.

Time:
Friday, 6:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. - Joint start and introduction
Saturday: 6:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. - Practice and whole day in silence
Sunday: 6:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. - Meditation with breaking the silence and start of practice

Location:
Thörishaus campsite (Bern).

Program:
The practice is about coming to terms with yourself and doing this through inner work. Mindful walking, meditation, Qi Gong, 5 animal Qi Gong, Taijiquan, awareness and sensory training.

Duration of practice:
We try to stay mindful all day and train ourselves there. The training can be adapted for beginners and everyone can take additional breaks in consultation with the teacher. Anyone who notices that they need a moment for themselves can mention this and can do so at any time as long as their classmates are not disturbed, because each individual is the focus.

Accommodation:
There are limited overnight accommodation options available for long-term students (approx. 2-3 people) in a tent for 10 Swiss francs. Alternatively, there is the option of staying in a private caravan for 20 Swiss francs per night and person (suitable for 2 people; availability is still to be clarified). Other options are available directly at the Thörishaus campsite, from which we also start the daily training (special prices are still to be agreed).
Here is the link to the campsite: www.camping-thoerishaus.ch

Information:
The training takes place mainly outdoors and is carried out in all weathers.
There are shower and toilet facilities on site.

Costs:
360 Swiss francs including meals / for long-term students only 300 Swiss francs.

Registration:
Please register as early as possible and only with advance payment to secure your place.

Refund:

95% up to 1 month in advance, 60% up to 2 weeks in advance, 30% up to 1 week in advance, 20% up to 1 day in advance. In the event of accidents or illness, a refund of up to 95% will be possible.

Payment: Here directly with fees or without fees [Here is the link to the transfer: https://www.daomonk.com/kontaktangaben-ueberweissung

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Food:
The meals will be similar to those in a monastery, with a varied and healthy diet. The teacher will cook, supported by the participants, who also help with cleaning up. Breakfast consists of fruit or alternative soup, lunch of rice, millet, lentils with vegetables or a full salad with lots of vegetables, beans and tofu. We skip dinner or those who need more can do this for self-catering. Some fruits and nuts are available.

Note: Anyone who needs extra food should supplement it themselves (shopping facilities available nearby). It is recommended to consume only what is offered and to avoid sweets and unhealthy snacks. Nuts and fruits are better snacks.

Drinks:
Water and tea are available free of charge at all times.

Internet & Cell Phone:
The use of cell phones is not allowed during practice and it is recommended to distance yourself from electronic devices during these days.

Number of participants: 1 - 6

Rough daily schedule:
6:00 a.m.: Meditation
6:45 a.m.: Mindful walking & light movements
8:00 a.m.: Breakfast
(break from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.)
9:00 a.m.: Warm-up with basic exercises Daoyin, Qi Gong
5 animals Qi Gong
Taiji and Zhan Zhuang
11:00 a.m.: Conscious cooking and eating
2:30 p.m.: Sleep meditation
Zhan Zhuang, Daoyin consciousness training
Mysticism class
Qi Gong, Daoyin (weekly evening class)
7:15 p.m.: Meditation
transition to being alone and sleeping
10:00 p.m.: Recommended bedtime (preferably after meditation)