{"id":9105,"date":"2026-01-04T20:36:10","date_gmt":"2026-01-04T19:36:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.samita.be\/?p=9105"},"modified":"2026-03-25T23:24:39","modified_gmt":"2026-03-25T22:24:39","slug":"flowing-to-freedom","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.samita.be\/en\/2026\/01\/04\/flowing-to-freedom\/","title":{"rendered":"Flowing to freedom retreat"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>\n

10-day silent retreat<\/h2>\n

Ajahn Brahm\u0101li, Ayya K\u0101runik\u0101 and Ven.\u00a0Vimala<\/h2>\n

13-22 November 2026<\/h2>\n

This retreat is a collaboration of Samita asbl and IMA vzw<\/strong><\/a> (InzichtMeditatie Antwerpen).<\/p>\n

Discover the Gentle Path to freedom<\/h3>\n

Join us for a retreat inspired by the teachings of Ajahn Brahm\u0101li \u2014 a heartfelt journey into the Buddha\u2019s timeless path to inner freedom.
\nRather than striving or forcing, we\u2019ll explore how true liberation arises naturally when the right conditions are cultivated.
\nThrough reflections, personal stories, and practical guidance, you\u2019ll learn how to let go, trust the process, and allow peace to unfold effortlessly.<\/p>\n

\"\"Born in Norway in 1964, Mah\u0101thera<\/strong> (Elder Bhikkhu) Ajahn Brahm\u0101li<\/strong> developed an interest in Buddhism and meditation in his early twenties. Having completed degrees in engineering and finance, he became an Anag\u0101rika, (keeping the Eight Precepts) at Amaravati and Chithurst Buddhist Monasteries in England.
\nAfter hearing Ajahn Brahm\u2019s teachings, Ajahn Brahm\u0101li travelled to Australia and began training at Bodhinyana Monastery<\/a> in 1994. He received full ordination in 1996, with Ajahn Brahm as his preceptor.
\nRenowned for his deep knowledge of the P\u0101li language and the Buddhist suttas, Bhikkhu Bodhi calls Ajahn Brahm\u0101li a major contributor for his translations of the Numerical Discourses of the Buddha (A\u1e45guttara Nik\u0101ya<\/a>).
\nAjahn Brahm\u0101li has published essays on dependent origination and co-authored the book The Authenticity of the Early Buddhist Texts<\/a> with Bhikkhu Sujato.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"Bhikkhun\u012b Ayya K\u0101runik\u0101 Ther\u012b<\/strong> is a senior Therav\u0101da nun recently appointed Abbot of Santi Forest Monastery<\/a> in NSW, Australia, and serves as spiritual director of the New Zealand Bhikkhun\u012b Sa\u1e45gha Trust<\/a>.
\nOrdained in 2014 at Dhammasara Nuns Monastery, she has over 15 years of monastic experience and has trained for decades under Ajahn Brahm, Ajahn Brahm\u0101li, and Ajahn H\u0101sapa\u00f1\u00f1\u0101.
\nBorn in Sri Lanka and based in Australia for over 20 years, she combines a background as a microbiologist with extensive experience in teaching, retreat leadership, and monastery project management. Known for presenting Buddhist teachings in a practical and accessible way, she is dedicated to supporting and expanding opportunities for Bhikkhun\u012bs worldwide, particularly within the Therav\u0101da forest tradition.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"Bhikkhun\u012b Ven. Vimala<\/strong> is a non-binary monastic born in the Netherlands. As a Bhikkhun\u012b (fully ordained nun), Ven. Vimala seeks to help support the Bhikkhun\u012b lineage and to pave the way for women and non-binary people so that they too can receive full ordination, just as men have always been able to do.
\nVen. Vimala is the founder of Tilorien Monastery<\/a> in the Belgian Ardennes, with the aim of forming a residential community based on early Buddhist teachings, as well as providing a place of practice for Bhikkhun\u012bs and other female monastics, and supporting LGBTIQA+ people and other underrepresented groups in the study of the Buddhist teachings.
\nVen. Vimala collaborates with SuttaCentral.net<\/a>, a treasure trove of translations of the early Buddhist suttas, and is one of the lead developers of BuddhaNexus.net<\/a> at the Numata Center for Buddhist Studies at the University of Hamburg.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

This retreat is designed to develop additional practical techniques and uncover deeper insights, building on your existing practice<\/strong>. Experience is not necessary but prior practice is still highly recommended. You can expect a strong focus on sitting and walking meditation for many hours a day, over the entire retreat, only interrupted by 3-4 hours of daily teaching, personal interviews and (vegetarian) meals. The bulk of your retreat time will be spent in solitude and silence<\/strong>, focusing on your inner states. We do not permit meditation methods that involve audible sounds and\/or vigorous body movement as they disturb others. All participants must keep the meditation conditions advised by the Buddha<\/strong> and outlined below.<\/p>\n

The retreat will be held in English<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Eight Precepts<\/h3>\n

This is an eight-precept retreat.
\nAll who attend are asked to undertake the following precepts for the duration of the retreat:
\n1. To abstain from killing living beings
\n2. To abstain from taking what is not given
\n3. To abstain from all sexual activity
\n4. To abstain from dishonest speech
\n5. To abstain from intoxicants
\n6. To abstain from taking food after mid-day
\n7. To abstain from singing, dancing, listening to music and from bodily adornments
\n8. To abstain from sleeping on luxurious beds
\n\"\"<\/p>\n

Noble Silence<\/h3>\n

This is a \u201cNoble Silence\u201d retreat. This means that all participants are kindly asked to observe Noble Silence from the beginning of the retreat until the morning of the last full day. This applies as well for the public areas as for the rooms.
\nNoble Silence means no talking or non-verbal communication of any kind, except of course in emergencies, interviews or discussion times with the Teacher. Noble Silence applies not only to speech but also to any signals and written notes etc. as well as to external contact by telephone or internet.
\nThe purpose of Noble Silence is to allow the mind to let go of outer distractions and to focus as much as possible on the inner world. In this regard it is also useful to minimize eye contact with other retreatants. Practicing restraint of the senses in this way provides an essential foundation for the powerful inner work which a meditation retreat facilitates.
\nThis Noble Silence will give the participants the maximum benefit from the meditation they learn and minimizes the disturbance to others. Therefore, please do not play musical instruments, radios, mp3 players, etc.<\/p>\n

Program<\/h3>\n

The retreat includes guided and silent meditation, alternating sitting and walking practice, Dhamma talks, meditation teachings with Q&A and interviews with the teachers.
\nDaily life is integrated into the practice through mindful work periods and shared meals.
\nDuring the retreat, each participant should have a least one personal interview with Ajahn Brahm\u0101li, Bhikkhun\u012b Ayya K\u0101runik\u0101 and Ven. Vimala to discuss their spiritual progress.
\nArrival: Friday, November 13, between 14:00 and 17:00.\u2028 A light evening meal will be served at 18:00.
\nEnd of the retreat: Sunday, November 22, after lunch.<\/p>\n

Costs on Dana basis<\/h3>\n

This retreat, including accommodation, food, and contribution for the Teacher, is organized on the basis of DANA<\/strong> (donation). All expenses for your accommodation, meals, etc. are paid for you with the kind donations of previous participants and other donors, who wish to give others the opportunity to experience the Dhamma. All work<\/strong> is done on a voluntary basis<\/strong> only; nobody receives any remuneration.
\nThe table below lists the costs for the basic accommodation, meals, and expenses, depending on the type of accommodation you choose, and this does not include donations for the teachings by Ajahn Brahm\u0101li, Ayya K\u0101runik\u0101 and Venerable Vimala.<\/strong>
\nThese costs also cover afternoon snacks and drinks, rental of the hall and kitchen facilities, travel expenses and accommodation for Ajahn Brahm\u0101li and Ayya K\u0101runik\u0101, etc. Every participant may contribute at their discretion and according to their means<\/strong>, so you can also contribute to spreading the Dhamma further.<\/p>\n

Single room ensuite (own bathroom) \u2013 920 \u20ac
\nSingle room with shared bathroom \u2013 720 \u20ac
\nDouble room ensuite (own bathroom), per person \u2013 670 \u20ac
\nDouble room with shared bathroom, per person \u2013 560 \u20ac
\nShared room (4\u20138 people) with shared bathroom, per person \u2013 460 \u20ac<\/p>\n

Registration fee<\/h3>\n

We ask a 100 \u20ac registration fee<\/strong> when booking, 50 \u20ac<\/strong> of which are non-refundable<\/strong> in case of cancellation.
\nIf you have difficulties paying 100 \u20ac registration fee, please contact us<\/a> for our support fund.
\nIn order for Samita and IMA to organize retreats on donation basis, we need to have a reasonable cash flow so that we can pay for venues up front. If you consider making a small donation before the retreat to help us meet our obligations, this would be much appreciated. You can do so via the bank account BE36 3632 0274 3881, BIC-code BBRUBEBB from vzw IMA \u2013 2600 Antwerpen<\/strong>, and please mention your name and \u201cNovember retreat\u201d as a reference.<\/p>\n

Kitchen help<\/h3>\n

We are looking for two volunteers to help Danny in the kitchen during the retreat. Offering help in this way is a form of d\u0101na (generosity), supporting the practice and well-being of the retreat participants. No special experience is required \u2013 just a willingness to serve with mindfulness and kindness.<\/p>\n

Support fund<\/h3>\n

If you wish to support other participants who have difficulties to afford the registration fee you can make a donation mentioning \u201csupport fund Ajahn Brahm\u0101li and Ayya K\u0101runik\u0101 retreat\u201d.
\nEvery donation helps us spread the Dhamma<\/strong>!
\nDonate here<\/a><\/p>\n

Registration<\/h3>\n

Click here<\/a> to go to the registration form.<\/p>\n

Venue<\/h3>\n

\"\"The retreat takes place in the Tibetan center Yeunten Ling<\/strong>, Promenade Saint-Jean L\u2019agneau 4, 4500 Huy, Belgium (in between Li\u00e8ge and Namur) \u2013 click here<\/a> for Yeunten Lings website and for directions<\/a>.
\nThe center has received the Dalai Lama<\/strong> several times.\u2028 The meditation center offers simple accommodation in various categories of bedrooms as listed above.
\nPlease don\u2019t contact Yeunten Ling<\/strong> if you have questions, but send them to samita@inzichtmeditatieantwerpen.be<\/a><\/p>\n

Please bring<\/h6>\n

\u2022 Bed-linen (can also be rented from the house for 12 \u20ac) or sleeping bag and towels.
\nA duvet and blankets are provided.
\n\u2022 Towels.
\n\u2022 Only biodegradable toiletries.
\n\u2022 Flashlight and umbrella.<\/p>\n

Questions?<\/h3>\n

Please contact us for any questions you might have: samita@inzichtmeditatieantwerpen.be<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

10-day silent retreat Ajahn Brahm\u0101li, Ayya K\u0101runik\u0101 and Ven.\u00a0Vimala 13-22 November 2026 This retreat is a collaboration of Samita asbl and IMA vzw (InzichtMeditatie Antwerpen). Discover the Gentle Path to freedom Join us for a retreat inspired by the teachings…
Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":19,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-9105","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-allgemein"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.samita.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9105","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.samita.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.samita.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.samita.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/19"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.samita.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9105"}],"version-history":[{"count":36,"href":"https:\/\/www.samita.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9105\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9349,"href":"https:\/\/www.samita.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9105\/revisions\/9349"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.samita.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9105"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.samita.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9105"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.samita.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9105"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}