The fjord group consists of experienced dedicated meditators, who gather once a month over Zoom for discussion, advice and inspiration around their own practice.

DN 29: It is possible that people from other traditions will say: ‘Do these meditators indulge in the joy and pleasure of deep meditation (the four jhanas)? What can you expect from them?’

You should answer: ‘Yes, exactly so, this is a correct statement, this is not a wrong perception. Four results can be expected from those who indulge in the pleasures of deep meditation: Stream-winning, once-returning, non-returning and full awakening (the four stages of awakening).

The Buddha

The meetings are not a structured course, but address relevant and important topics and issues around deeper practice – largely at the request of the participants. Questions and answers around deeper experiences have priority. Each session will last between one and two hours.

The focus is not to talk about what is right or wrong, but to broaden the participants’ horizons and help create an inner map of the training for their own navigation. All teachings and ancient texts are a theory designed to aid spiritual training – and the whole point of Buddhism is that only people themselves can achieve wisdom and freedom through their own practice.

But deeper practice leads us out of our comfort zone, to unusual experiences, emotions and feelings – often strong and unexpectedly beautiful, we also encounter fear of the unknown and obstacles we can’t see, and we limit our practice because of ideas we believe in but that don’t match our nature as humans.

This is a group for those who really want and have a continuous practice, and who manage to prioritize both meditation and some study in their life. Participation requires previous experience from 7/8/9 day retreats, and membership in DNBF or in other cooperating organizations, and that you are willing to help out DNBF. It does not matter where or which countries you live in. The language will be Norwegian and English.

There is no cost to join, but participants must pay for the costs of the group itself via donations. No commitment period.

This is not a group for beginners, nor is it a group for people who fail to practice even though their intentions are good. This is not a group where you meet for group meditation.

Ajahn Nitho will usually lead the meeting. He has a background from the forest tradition of Ajahn Chah, Ajahn Brahm, Ajahn Ganha – which is characterized by a strong focus on the teachings and practices of the original early Buddhism.

Everyone knows the meaning of the word fjord – an inlet of the sea, usually long and narrow and surrounded by mountainsides. But originally the word meant “to cross over” − just like in the Buddhist concept of crossing over from the current situation to awakening and freedom.