New Book:
Upcoming Events:
Whitsun Retreat
26 May – 04 June
Open Day
23 – 25 June
Volunteer week
26 June – 02 July
13 – 15 October
___________
10 – 12 November ( in Denia, Spain )
We are afraid of death, we are afraid of separation, we are afraid of nothingness. But if we look deeply, we realize the incessant change of things and gradually lose our fear.
-Thich Nhat Hanh
At Open Sky House near Cologne
Traditional vipassana germany retreats are known for being in high demand, with many people willing to wait for months or even years to secure a spot. This is because these retreats provide a unique opportunity for individuals to deepen their meditation practice in a structured, supportive environment.
In the 3-day intensive retreat participants use blindfolds to go deeper in their vipassana practice. By eliminating visual distractions, individuals may be able to focus more fully on their interior, allowing them to enter deeper states of meditation quite quickly.
We made an short film of the first moment people open their eyes after 48h of sitting in meditation blindfolded.
Impressions of the Vipassana Island Weekend
Discover and connect with the deepest parts of yoursel
Some of the courageous Vipassana participants on their Island
This journey begins with silence. For the next two days, you will engage in a silent retreat. This means no talking, no phones, and no distractions. By eliminating external stimuli, you will be able to focus your attention inward and explore the sensations of your body, the fluctuations of your mind, and the nature of your emotions.
With the support of John David and the energy of the Open Sky House Community, you will go deeply into the practice. Based on the teachings of the Buddha, Vipassana aims to develop insight into the nature of reality and liberate oneself from suffering. By observing the impermanence, unsatisfactoriness, and non-self of all experiences, you will cultivate equanimity and wisdom.
This weekend is not an escape from reality, but rather an immersion into it. You will face the challenges of the present moment, the discomfort of physical and mental pain, and the habitual patterns of your mind. However, by meeting these obstacles with courage, compassion, and curiosity, you will discover your inner strength and resilience.
May this weekend be a transformative experience for you, a stepping stone to a life of clarity, compassion, and freedom.
“Meditation brings wisdom; lack of meditation leaves ignorance. Know well what leads you forward and what holds you back, and choose the path that leads to wisdom.”
– Buddha
In this weekend you will be supported by spiritual teacher John David who has years of experience bringing people back into their essential Nature which is Love and Peace.
John David is a spiritual teacher who is dedicated to helping people deepen their meditation practice and awaken to their true nature. Through his energy and guidance, he offers a powerful support system for spiritual seekers who are looking to transform their lives through meditation.
John David’s approach to meditation is grounded in the understanding that true spiritual awakening is not just about experiencing temporary states of bliss, but rather about cultivating a deep and lasting transformation in one’s consciousness. To this end, he offers a variety of teachings and practices that are designed to help individuals move beyond their habitual thought patterns and connect with the deeper aspects of their being.
Practicalities
Arrival: Friday afternoon
Start: Friday 7pm, Silent Dinner and Satsang with John David
End: Sunday 7pm (who wants, can stay for dinner)
Prices:
230€ incl. accommodation and food
195€ Concession
165€ Students under 27
Indira
Phone: +49 (0)2173 4099203
Whatsapp: +49 (0)178 2890814
Email: office@openskyhouse.org
The retreat takes place in the tranquil beauty of the Open Sky House in Hitdorf, Germany, right on the banks of the river Rhein
between Cologne and Düsseldorf
Rheinstraße 54
51371 Leverkusen
Vipassana Island
5 – 7 May 2023
Here you can reserve your Vipassana Island. We will get back to you soon to send you all details.
Experience Spiritual Community
After the Vipassana weekend there is the opportunity to spend a week FREE in the Open Sky House, to carry the silence of the weekend into everyday life and bring it into the flow of the community. You can discover a new way of living that nourishes and supports your search for freedom, love and peace.
