We have gathered together some information about the Ajahn Brahm Weekend Retreat in Oslo, 25th to 27th of November. If something is still unclear, send an email to retreat@support.ovbf.org – and during the retreat itself, retreat leader Ajahn Nitho will be available on phone +47 90533384.
The Center
We rent the Tibetan temple Karma Tashi Ling, and the center consists of a large hall for teaching and meditation, a reception area and a combined dining room/lounge/kitchen/library in the basement. The center has plenty of toilets and showers. The center also has some covered outdoor areas.
Parking and Motor Home
The center has parking for approx. 30 cars on the property, but it is also possible to park along the road outside the centre. It is possible to park a motorhome on the property – but please notify us of your interest by email.
The Monastics and Retreatants
At the retreat we will be 6 monastics:
Ajahn Brahm (bhikkhu) – BSWA, Australia.
Ayya Canda (bhikkhuni) – Anukampa, Oxford, UK.
Ajahn Nitho (bhikkhu) – OVBF, Norway.
Ajahn Ajito (bhikkhu) – Bodhibhumivana Buddhistsamfunn, Lillehammer, Norway.
Bhante Manirathana (bhikkhu) – Sri Lanka Buddhist Vihara, Hurdalen, Norway.
Changchub Lama (bhikkhu), a Tibetan monk resident at the center, also joins as a guest when he has time.
There will also be around 60 retreatants from Norway, Europe and the USA.
Language
All teaching and communication will be in English, but retreat leader Ajahn Nitho is Norwegian, and can speak Norwegian with individuals.
Food and Allergies
Lunch is served at 12 noon on Saturday and Sunday, and we have ordered some gluten-free portions. The monastics eat lunch at 11 o’clock. Tea, coffee, juice and other drinks, as well as some snacks, will be available in the lounge room in the basement throughout the day.
Bring along
For those who can, we recommend bringing your own chair, mat/seat cushion or stool. There will be many hours sitting still, and comfort is important. The center has many simpler chairs, and plenty of mats and cushions. Feel free to bring and use earplugs if you want.
Clothing
We recommend loose, comfortable clothing that does not sit tight on the body. Avoid provocative clothing – the focus of the retreat is the mind, not the body.
Climate
This website shows climate statistics for Oslo. We expect little precipitation, a few plus degrees – and probably no snow. The weather forecast can be found on this website.
Silence
On the first evening, Friday, we put a bit of emphasis on the social side, so that people can say hello and get to know each other. But we plan for silence on Saturday and Sunday – and then we try to minimize conversations.
Etiquette
Ajahn Brahm, Ayya Canda and the other monks have a western background and are flexible about etiquette. But try to avoid shaking hands and avoid giving a hug. The center belongs to a Tibetan Buddhist tradition, so avoid pointing the soles of the feet forward, e.g. towards a Buddha statue – possibly cover your feet with a blanket. Otherwise just be natural.
Ask Questions
Both Saturday and Sunday end with a question/answer session. We will hand out paper so that everyone can write a question or two, and then Ajahn Brahm will read the questions and answer them at the end of the days. Whether shorter individual guidance/interview with Ajahn Brahm is possible has not yet been clarified.
Books
We have acquired a small collection of the books published by Ajahn Brahm – these will be available for purchase during the retreat.
If you have to cancel
If you know you can’t come, let us know as soon as possible! We have a looong waiting list of people who would like to come.
Covid
Norway has had a well-functioning society since May 2021, and the use of face masks ended everywhere in February 2022: theatres, cinemas, schools, buses, trains, planes, etc. So no one has to wear a face mask, but of course you can wear a face mask if you want.
Program
Here is the program for the weekend. The program is indicative, and it is possible that Ajahn Brahm changes the plan slightly during the retreat, in consultation with the participants:
Friday
17.00 – The doors opens – retreatants find & set-up their place
18.00 – Introduction and information – Ajahn Nitho
19.00 – Evening Talk – Ajahn Brahm
20.00 – Group meditation
21.00 – End of day
Saturday
08.00 – The doors opens for the retreatants
09.00 – Morning talk – Ajahn Brahm
10.00 – Silent meditation
11.00 – Silent meditation (monastics eat lunch)
12.00 – Lunch
13.00 – Buddhism in a nutshell, part 1 – Ajahn Brahm
14.00 – Silent meditation
15.00 – Silent meditation
16.00 – Break – tea, coffee, juice – some fresh air?
16.30 – Evening Questions and Answers talk – Ajahn Brahm
18.00 – End of day
Sunday
08.00 – The doors opens for the retreatants
09.00 – Morning talk – Ajahn Brahm
10.00 – Silent meditation
11.00 – Silent meditation (monastics eat lunch)
12.00 – Lunch
13.00 – Buddhism in a nutshell, part 2 – Ajahn Brahm
14.00 – Silent meditation
15.00 – Silent meditation
16.00 – Break – tea, coffee, juice – some fresh air?
16.30 – Evening Questions and Answers talk – Ajahn Brahm
18.00 – See you again – Ajahn Nitho
18.15 – End of retreat