Different teachers and traditions disagree, often with contradictory teaching and different practices. So what do we do? This fall we try to go back to the teachings of early Buddhism, the teachings that all traditions have at their core, and ask according to Buddha’s teachings: What is awakening? How does it feel to be awakened? Why should we put effort into a spiritual training? And of course, how.

For the end of October 2024, we have invited Bhante Sujato, a monastic with 30 years of experience, who is closely connected to the ancient authentic teachings of Buddha. He is also the leader of the Suttacentral.net project – where everyone can access the Buddha’s teachings for free.

We have invited him to teach a 7-day retreat at Venabu Fjellhotell, where the focus is precisely the phenomenon of “awakening” as taught by Buddha. In addition, he will teach and guide meditation practices and mindfulness. We have participants from Europe and North America so far, and all teaching will be in English.

Jaran de los Santos Olsen returns to Pranahuset in mid-September to teach a weekend retreat. The focus is on finding the way home – on the inside. Jaran has previously been a monastic, now works as a psychologist in Oslo, and teaches meditation regularly. Last time he was in Trondheim.

Although “home” can be defined as “where the wi-fi connects automatically” :) – we think the meaning here is more: “Seek home for rest, for home is best” – or something even better.

After Bhante Sujato’s 7 day retreat, he will teach a weekend retreat 2nd and 3rd of November in Oslo. This retreat offers a unique opportunity to explore both the practice and theory of Buddha’s original teachings.

Bhante Sujato, with his extensive knowledge and 30 years of full-time experience, will guide participants through insightful discussions and meditative practices, illuminating the core principles of early Buddhist texts and how they can be applied. All teaching will be in English.

Ajahn Nitho is now in the mountains for his annual three-month retreat alone. In October he will help Bhante Sujato, there will be a trip to India in December, and in November and 2025 he will travel several times to Stockholm, Copenhagen, Helsinki, Oslo, Oxford, etc. – to focus on Kindfulness, both during weekend retreats, intensive long weekend retreats, as well as several 9-day retreats.

Venerable Canda will be returning to Venabu in 2025 and, together with Ajahn Nitho, is looking to repeat the success of 2023 and 2024.

More information will come later when the calendar falls into place.

The society has now come a long way in setting up a separate system for podcasts, where teaching in Norwegian and English will be available. There are still a few weeks until these will be available to members and the public – but they are now on their way!

The society wants feedback from members and the public on what activities are desired for 2025 – what, where and when. Feel free to send an email to post@dnbf.org

Wishing you a fabulous summer!