Upcoming Events - Meditation Retreat at Colombo Cemetery

The Colombo (Borella) Cemetery is not only a place of remembrance for the departed but a sacred and serene environment that offers profound spiritual opportunities for those seeking a deeper connection with the true nature of life. Organised by the Colombo International Spiritual Foundation (CISF), this meditation retreat, running from 16th February at 3pm until 21st February at 2pm, is a rare chance to experience the path of Theravada Buddhism in its purest form. This retreat is designed to help you relinquish worldly attachments, cultivate mindfulness, and attain a sense of inner peace through the practice of dutanga (ascetic practices) and meditation.

The Tradition of Dutanga Practices

The practice of dutanga, which dates back to the time of Lord Buddha, is one of the most profound paths for those committed to renunciation. This ascetic practice involves living a simple, minimalistic life that strips away the ego and cultivates an attitude of humility and selflessness. Among the greatest figures in the history of dutanga practices is the venerable Arahant Maha Kassapa, who was renowned for his deep commitment to austerity and asceticism.

Maha Kassapa, a key disciple of Lord Buddha, demonstrated that it is through renouncing material possessions and attachments that one can free oneself from the cycles of craving and suffering. His life and teachings continue to inspire those who wish to follow a more austere and focused path. By embracing the dutanga practices, one can break free from the constraints of ego, and the distractions of material wealth and power, and enter into a deeper understanding of the impermanence of life.

The Role of the Cemetery in the Spiritual Journey

The decision to hold this retreat at the Colombo (Borella) Cemetery is not incidental; rather, it serves as a powerful reminder of life's impermanence and the inevitability of death. By living in such a place, participants will be constantly reminded of the fleeting nature of all things, encouraging them to detach from worldly distractions. It is in such a place that true spiritual transformation can begin—where the focus shifts from the material to the transcendent.

During the retreat, participants will also practice a key aspect of dutanga: begging alms. The food for the retreat will be obtained through the practice of begging alms in the streets, a humbling and important act in Theravada Buddhist monastic life. Begging alms is not only a way to rely on the generosity of others but is an opportunity to reduce the ego and develop a deep sense of gratitude. It teaches practitioners that they can live without the need for excessive comforts or material wealth, relying instead on the kindness of others and the impermanence of possessions.

This act of relinquishing possessions helps in understanding the nature of attachment. In begging for alms, one is forced to confront the very nature of craving and the tendency to hold on to things. Through this practice, participants gain insight into the true nature of freedom—freedom that is not tied to ownership, wealth, or status but to the ability to live simply and with compassion.

Reducing Ego and Cultivating Humility

By adopting the dutanga practices in such an austere environment, participants will have the opportunity to reduce their ego and strengthen their mindfulness. The act of begging alms is an opportunity to relinquish any sense of superiority or entitlement. It is a practice of humility that reveals the deep truth of our interconnectedness as human beings. The beggar and the one who gives alms are bound together in a shared humanity, a reminder that we all live with impermanence and interdependence.

The cemetery environment, combined with the practice of dutanga, fosters an atmosphere of reflection and introspection. It is here that participants can truly confront the essence of the Buddha's teachings—life is transient, and attachments to wealth, status, and possessions are sources of suffering. By practicing mindfulness and meditation, and by living in simplicity, retreatants will experience the peace that comes from relinquishing all worldly attachments.

Join Us for a Life-Changing Experience

This retreat is an extraordinary opportunity to embrace the path of dutanga, follow in the footsteps of Arahant Maha Kassapa, and engage in practices that reduce the ego, liberate the mind, and transcend the illusion of ownership. Whether you are new to meditation or a seasoned practitioner, this retreat offers a chance to reconnect with your inner self and deepen your understanding of impermanence.

In this sacred and unique setting, you will cultivate mindfulness, serenity, and wisdom, all while practicing the art of living simply and humbly. Join us at the Colombo (Borella) Cemetery for this life-changing retreat, and take a step toward liberation on the path of Theravada Buddhism.

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