Immerse yourself in a transformative day of authentic Buddhist meditation and philosophical exploration, designed to guide you through the progressive stages of spiritual understanding. This comprehensive program combines traditional monastic elements with practical meditation techniques, taking you on a journey from basic concentration practices to the profound realization of non-self.
Our structured one-day retreat follows the natural rhythm of monastic life, beginning with dawn meditation in your private kuti and flowing through systematic exploration of the Four Meditation Objects (Karmasthana). Each session builds upon the previous, creating a complete experiential understanding of Buddhist philosophy through direct practice rather than mere intellectual study.
Daily meditation and retreat program schedule
Buddothpado International Meditation Center-Dombagoda
Daily Meditation Retreat Schedule
5:00 – 5:30 AM
Rising and Preparation
Mindfully arise and prepare for the day with clarity and composure
5:30 – 6:00 AM
Samatha Bhāvanā (Concentration Meditation)
Meditation, cultivating calmness and focus, practiced in any comfortable posture, wherever you are.
6:00 – 6:30 AM
Buddha Vandanā (Morning Devotion & Offerings)
Homage to the Buddha recitation of verses and chants, followed by breakfast offerings to the Lord Buddha and the Saṅgha.
6:30 – 7:00 AM
Samatha Bhāvanā
(Concentration Meditation) Deepening calm through continued practice.
7:00 – 8:00 AM
Breakfast (Dhāna) for participants.
Simple meal taken mindfully, in silence and awareness.
8:00 – 10:00 AM
Dhamma Discourse (Wisdom of Truth)
Exposition of the true nature of reality and the path of liberation.
10:00 – 10:30 AM
Tea and Refreshments
A light break taken mindfully, with awareness of body, mind, posture, and presence.
10:30 – 11:30 AM
Dhamma Discourse (Wisdom of Truth — Continuation)
Continuation of the exposition on the true nature of reality and the path of liberation.
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Lunch (Dhāna)
The main meal of the day, taken in mindfulness
12:30 – 1:30 PM
MEDITATION OBJECT 1 (1st Karmasthana)
The external world as we perceive it is not the ultimate reality, but a construction of the mind shaped by sensory experiences and mental formations.
12:30 – 12:45 PM: Explanation of why the external world is not the ultimate truth.
12:45 – 1:15 PM: Walking meditation to implement the 1st Meditation Object through direct, practical experience.
1:15 – 1:30 PM: Reflection and discussion on the practice of the 1st Meditation Object.
1:30 – 2:30 PM
MEDITATION OBJECT 2 (2nd Karmasthana)
What we call “mind” is not a true entity, but an illusion arising moment to moment through the combined functions of the sense faculties.
1:30 – 1:45 PM: Explanation of why the mind is not the ultimate truth.
1:45 – 2:15 PM: Walking meditation to implement the 2nd Meditation Object through direct, practical experience.
2:15 – 2:30 PM: Reflection and discussion on the practice of the 2nd Meditation Object.
2:30 – 3:00 PM
Tea and Refreshments
A light break taken mindfully, with awareness of body, mind, posture, and presence.
MEDITATION OBJECT 3 (3rd Karmasthana)
Functional Mind (Kriya Citta): Observing the functionality of the six sense faculties.
3:00 – 3:15 PM: Explanation of how to experience the functional mind (kriya citta) and the involuntary processes of the six sense faculties.
3:15 – 3:45 PM: Walking meditation to implement the 3rd Meditation Object through direct, practical experience.
3:45 – 4:00 PM: Reflection and discussion on the practice of the 3rd Meditation Object.
4:00 – 5:00 PM
MEDITATION OBJECT 4 (4th Karmasthana)
Experience of Non-self: The six sensory processes function without a central self or soul.
4:00 – 4:15 PM: Explanation of the absence of self and how the six sense faculties operate as involuntary processes.
4:15 – 4:45 PM: Walking meditation to directly experience the functioning of the six sense faculties without a self or soul.
4:45 – 5:00 PM: Reflection and discussion on the practice of the 4th Meditation Object.
— End of main meditation sessions —
5:00 – 6:00 PM
Evening Walking Meditation
Mindful walking during the serene hour of sunset.
6:00 – 7:00 PM
Silent Meditation
Deepening stillness through unbroken meditation in silence.
7:00 – 8:00 PM
Light Refreshments
Shared in mindfulness, with awareness of body, mind, posture, movement, and presence.
8:00 – 8:30 PM
Samatha Bhāvanā (Concentration Meditation)
Concluding the day’s practice with calm and clarity.
8:30 PM onward
End of the Day’s Program
Quietude dedicated to contemplation, mindfulness, and rest.
Throughout the Day
Throughout the day, every activity — whether sitting, walking, eating, or reYlecting — is to be carried out in mindfulness, sustained in noble silence.
Important Information and Special Requests
•Our instructors are available to help you design a flexible, customized program under special permission if the original schedule does not suit your requirements.
•You may extend the one-day program schedule to span multiple days if desired.
•Silence is especially appreciated during main meditation sessions and Dhamma discussion sessions.
Indemnity and Liability Clause
•Participation in this meditation program is voluntary and undertaken at the participant’s own discretion and risk.
•The International Meditation Center and its instructors shall not be responsible or liable for any injury, loss, illness, or personal discomfort arising during or after participation in the program.
•The practices offered are spiritual and educational in nature and are not a substitute for medical or psychological treatment. Participants with existing health conditions should consult a healthcare professional before attending.
• By joining the program, participants agree to release and hold harmless the International Meditation Center, its teachers, and staff from any and all claims or demands for damages, to the fullest extent permitted by law.