Welcome. Here you will find useful information to help you decide whether to apply for a spot and what to expect when you arrive. Please read all sections carefully before starting the booking process.
The retreats organized by Bosque Theravada are led by monks and nuns trained in the Thai Forest Tradition. This tradition originated in Northeast Thailand and is part of the Southern Asian Theravada tradition.
Retreats vary in length: weekends, five days, or ten days. While every retreat is slightly different, they generally include periods of guided and silent meditation, walking meditation, reflections on the Buddha’s teachings, and a Q&A session with the teacher.
Click on any of the headings below to go directly to that section:
1) Important Things to Consider Before Booking
We encourage you to read this information carefully before deciding to book. Here is a summary of the most important points:
- Group Retreats: These are group retreats, not individual, solitary, or self-guided ones. Meditation sessions, meals, and most of the accommodation are communal.
- Schedule: There is a set schedule of about 8 hours a day that everyone is expected to attend. It is a full day with very little free time.
- Full Attendance: Participants are asked to attend the entire retreat, from the start until the closing time. Please do not arrive late or leave early.
- Noble Silence: Retreats are held in Noble Silence. This means participants are asked not to speak unless absolutely necessary. The teacher will provide instructions and reflections and answer questions.
- Digital Detox: All participants are asked to hand in their mobile phones and other devices at the start of the retreat (or leave them at home).
- The Eight Precepts: Participants are asked to observe the Eight Precepts, a set of ethical guidelines (see below), for the duration of the retreat.
- Food: Meals are generally vegetarian. We can offer simple alternatives for allergies, but not for dietary preferences.
- No Evening Meal: Food is not served in the afternoon, and there is no eating after midday (except for medical reasons, in which case an evening snack will be provided).
- Modest Dress: Participants are asked to dress and behave modestly (meaning no tight or revealing clothing, makeup, perfume, or jewelry), as is appropriate in a monastic setting.
As you can see, Bosque Theravada retreats have specific characteristics that may not be for everyone. Please reflect carefully on whether this is the type of experience you are looking for right now.
2) What to Expect
Retreat Guidelines
The retreat framework and certain aspects, such as taking the precepts, exist to support mindfulness and develop meditation practice according to the Buddha’s teachings. Some precepts affect daily life—like eating, entertainment, and speech—areas where we usually have more freedom but which are restricted in a retreat context.
The retreat follows a daily schedule (except for the arrival and departure days). By following the schedule over time, you will begin to notice your responses and reactions to challenging situations. Committing to staying until the end is an excellent way to understand how our perceptions of what is “pleasant” or “tolerable” can change, often in a short time.
Noble Silence
Retreats are held in Noble Silence. This means no conversations with others unless strictly necessary. This helps quiet the mind and creates space for inner reflection. A silent environment makes it easier for each participant to connect with the present moment, reaching deeper and subtler levels of awareness.
For those new to silent retreats, this can be a challenge at first. In daily life, we spend a lot of time talking, often to fill silences that feel uncomfortable. Being in a silent environment can feel strange initially. This feeling is completely normal. As the retreat progresses, you may come to appreciate it as a gift—not having to talk or play your usual roles from home, work, or relationships.
We ask that you do not write notes to others or try to communicate in any other way, out of respect for their silence. However, it is appropriate to communicate with the organizers regarding practical matters or emergencies.
Please keep in mind that not observing Noble Silence is a strong disturbance in the normal life in a retreat. If it were perceived that a participant is not following it, he or she will be invited to abandon the retreat.
Mobile Phones and Devices
We ask that you do not use phones, laptops, or tablets. These must be handed in at the start of the retreat to be kept in a safe. If you are worried that someone might need to reach you, an emergency contact number will be provided. However, if you have an urgent matter pending, it might be better to postpone the retreat.
The Eight Precepts
On the first night, the teachers will offer the opportunity to “take” the Eight Precepts. These are guidelines to help everyone feel safe and calm in a shared environment.
- Non-violence: Refraining from intentionally taking the life of any living being.
- Honesty / Trustworthiness: Refraining from taking what has not been given. We respect the property of others.
- Celibacy: Refraining from any form of sexual activity during the retreat.
- Right Speech: Refraining from false or harmful speech. This includes observing Noble Silence and not using electronic devices.
- Sobriety: Refraining from intoxicants, including non-medicinal drugs and alcohol.
- Renunciation: Refraining from eating at inappropriate times. Food is only available at breakfast and lunch; there is no eating after midday.
- Moderation: Refraining from entertainment (internet, music) and adornment (makeup, perfume, jewelry). Please dress modestly.
- Vigilance: Refraining from excessive sleep. The schedule covers most of the day, and full participation is expected. There are short breaks, but not many opportunities to sleep during the day.
3) Practical Considerations
Accommodation
Accommodation may be in shared rooms or individual rooms depending on the occasion. Usually, the sleeping area is divided into male and female sections. Please indicate on the booking form if walking if you have mobility issues.
Meals
Breakfast and lunch are provided daily. Since participants are expected to observe the Eight Precepts (which includes not eating after lunch), no dinner is served. However, hot drinks will be available in the evening. Usually, the food is vegetarian. If you have medical dietary needs (allergies, diabetes, etc.), please mention them on the booking form.
Meditation Sessions
Sessions take place in the Retreat Center’s meditation hall. If you have, you may bring your own cushion or meditation bench. Sitting and walking meditation alternate, usually lasting between 45 minutes and an hour. Morning and evening sessions typically begin with traditional chanting in Spanish or Pali. Chanting books are provided; participation is optional.
What to Bring
Please bring the following items:
- Bedding: Duvet cover, sheet, pillowcase, and towels.
- Unscented toiletries: Soap, shampoo, shaving products, feminine hygiene products, toothbrush.
- A small flashlight/torch.
- A watch: (You won’t have your phone to check the time).
- Thick non-slip socks or slippers: Shoes are not worn indoors.
- Outdoor gear: Waterproof shoes and rain gear (in winter time)
- Clothing: Comfortable, loose-fitting clothes for meditation (no leggings or tight/revealing clothes).
- Summer: Light clothing, but no sleeveless tops or shorts.
- Winter: Warm clothing.
- A shawl or small blanket for the meditation hall.
Important Notes:
- Please bring enough clothes for the whole stay, as there are no washing machines.
4) Cost of Retreats: Generosity (Dāna)
In the spirit of the Thai Forest Tradition, the teachings are offered freely. For retreats held outside of Paññāgiri, participants must cover the accommodation costs of the rented retreat house. A deposit may be required upon registration, which is refundable if you cancel 15 days in advance. The remainder of the accommodation fee is paid upon arrival, preferably in cash.
If, in addition to covering your accommodation costs, you would like to make a donation to help establish the Paññāgiri project in our country, there will be a small box labeled ‘Offering‘ (Ofrecimiento) at the end of the retreat. Generosity (dāna) is a traditional practice in Buddhist countries through which laypeople provide material resources to monks and nuns who have taken a vow of poverty; the monastics provide spiritual nourishment to the lay community. If you wish to participate in this beautiful and ancient custom, you may do so by making a donation. If not, your very presence during the retreat is a great gift in itself.
5) Arrival and Departure Times
- Arrival: Registration is usually between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM on the first day. Please arrive by 5:00 PM at the latest.
- Departure: Weekend retreats end at 5:00 PM. Longer retreats end after lunch (1:00 PM). If you need to leave early, please let us know in advance.
6) Retreat Schedule (Sample)
Friday:
- 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.: Arrival and Registration
- 5:00 p.m.– 6:00 p.m.: Light meal
- 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.: Welcome talk and orientation
- 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.: First evening session
Saturday (and subsequent days):
- 5:30 a.m.: Wake-up bell & hot drinks
- 6:00 a.m.: Chanting and meditation
- 7:00 a.m.: Breakfast
- 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.: Sitting and walking meditation
- 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.: Lunch and rest
- 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.: Afternoon session (meditation & questions)
- 5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.: Tea break (optional yoga in long retreats)
- 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.: Evening session: Chanting and meditation
Sunday at weekend retreats:
Morning as usual, like Saturday. Then:
2:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m.: Afternoon session: sitting and walking meditation
4:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m.: Closing talk by the leaders
5:00 p.m. –6:00 p.m.: Tea in the kitchen; informal meeting with the teacher
Last day at long retreats:
Early morning as usual. Then:
8:45 a.m.–10:30 a.m.: Morning session: sitting and walking meditation
10:30 a.m.–11:00 a.m.: Closing talk; time to pack
11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.: Lunch and cleaning
12:30 p.m.–1:00 p.m.: Informal meeting with the teacher
7) Participant Wellbeing
Mental Health
Meditation and mindfulness practice are known to promote mental well-being and can often help with mild symptoms of anxiety and depression. However, it is important to be aware that mental health issues can sometimes be exacerbated by long periods of silence, being in an unfamiliar environment, and the lack of distractions. If you have experienced mental health challenges in the past, we ask you to carefully consider whether an intensive silent retreat is right for you at this time and, if necessary, consult with a mental health professional before booking.
If you decide to book a retreat, please indicate any past or current mental health issues on the form. This will not exclude you from getting a spot, but it will help us support you if any difficulties arise during the retreat. If you are taking any medication, it is vital that you continue taking it as usual; do not use the retreat as a time to experiment with stopping treatment, as this can have serious consequences. We also ask that if any issues arise or worsen during the retreat, you let us know as soon as possible so we can talk and support you appropriately.
If you haven’t practiced much silent meditation, it might be more suitable for you to come for a few days to practice and live at Paññāgiri instead of signing up for a formal retreat. There, you can get used to practicing meditation for several hours a day in a less intensive context. If you are interested in this option, you can write to: retreat@panyagiri.info
Physical Health and Mobility
If you have any mobility issues or concerns, please describe them in the corresponding section when booking. Please also inform us of any other health issues that might affect your retreat experience. However, bear in mind that participants are expected to attend the full retreat program. If your physical condition only allows you to attend some sessions, we ask you to consider a less intensive retreat or look into the option of staying as a guest.
Infectious Diseases
Since most of the accommodation is shared and much of the day is spent in close proximity to others, infectious diseases (colds, flu, COVID, etc.) can spread very easily. Some participants may be vulnerable, elderly, or immunocompromised. Therefore, if you realize you have an infectious illness before the retreat begins, we ask that you cancel your booking—as disappointing as that may be—out of consideration for others. We will try to offer you a spot in another retreat once you have recovered.
Safeguarding
The Retreat Center is aware of the importance of safeguarding during residential retreats. Retreats are open only to adults aged 18 or older, so no minors are present. However, some participants may be vulnerable for various reasons; if you feel this might apply to you, please indicate so when booking. If you have any concerns during the retreat, whether for yourself or someone else, please notify the retreat organizers as soon as possible so we can take the appropriate action.