Hosted at Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Hoi An, Vietnam, The Present: A Mindfulness Retreat (October 1-5, 2018) invites an exploration of the mindfulness teachings of the world’s most renowned Zen Master: the first annual retreat of its kind at the Resort.
Led by the brothers and sisters of Hue’s Từ Hiếu Pagoda – the “root pagoda” of Thich Nhat Hanh – participants will experience Sitting, Walking and Eating Meditations, Dharma Talks and Sharing Sessions, plus cleansing vegetarian wellness meals, Stability Yoga and spa treatments; all designed to develop one’s connection to the self, the universe, and the power of the present moment: the most important moment of all.
Located just an 98 kilometres’ drive away from the Resort in Thich Nhat Hanh’s central Vietnamese hometown of Hue, the Từ Hiếu Pagoda invites individuals to visit its grounds yet rarely participates in outside partnerships. “We are truly honoured to have the opportunity to engage with the pagoda’s brothers and sisters,” comments the Resort’s Spa Manager Dwi Susanti. “The Resort’s Heart of the Earth Spa is inspired by Thich Nhat Hanh’s earth-connecting teachings and it has long been a dream of ours to offer guests a deeper understanding of his approach to mindfulness and its foundations.”
The program will commence at 6:30 am each day and will see guests guided through a minimum of three daily mindfulness sessions (Meditation, Dharma Talk and Dharma Sharing): practices used by the pagoda’s brothers and sisters to filter toxic emotions from their mind and soul while strengthening and sharpening their physical and emotional faculties.
A communal lunch will follow – during which participants will learn the five contemplations that the pagoda brothers and sisters practice during Eating Meditation – before an activity to relax, purify and strengthen the mind, soul and body: from Stability Yoga on the beach (to generate the stability of peace in and around us) to specialised spa treatments designed to connect us to the present or inspire compassion deep within us.
In addition, program participants will receive round trip airport transfers, a choice of daily vegetarian breakfast selections from the retreat’s Wellness Menu, plus one three-course set dinner or theme night experience during their stay.
When not engaged in program sessions, natural abundance and an ongoing escape from the frenzy of modern life awaits the Resort’s tranquil grounds, beneath the shade of 4,500 palm trees, or along the private kilometre-stretch of Ha My Beach, considered to be best in Vietnam.
“This retreat has been a long time in the making,” concludes Susanti, ”and as a team we are looking forward to expanding our own awareness through it as well. It’s not about indoctrinating individuals in any particular religious ways but about teaching day-to-day awareness of being more present in everything we do, say, think, eat and enjoy. Too many of us these days are disconnected from ourselves, the world and those around us; if we can encourage even one person to embrace the power and potential of every moment and change the quality of their life, it will have been worth it.”
To find out more about The Present: A Mindfulness Retreat at Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Hoi An, contact +84 235 394 0000.
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