The Buddha taught that there are four levels of awakening.The first level — called “stream entry” and “the gaining of the Dharma Eye” — is the point where you gain your first glimpse of the deathless. This is a momentous event in the practice. It marks the point where you are guaranteed full awakening within at the most seven lifetimes, and in the meantime, you are safe from being reborn on any level in the cosmos below the human.

This weekend retreat — through readings, talks, meditation, and discussion — will focus on the Buddha’s recommendations for how to attain stream-entry, and his description of the characteristics of a person who has entered the stream.

Readings: Into the Stream, The Dhamma Eye (chapter in the book Along the Way, P98-108)

People often talk of the teaching style of the Thai Forest ajaans, but what of the substance of their teachings? What is their position on some of the controversial issues in Theravada thought?

This daylong explored these issues by focusing on the teachings of the most articulate members of the tradition: Ajaan Mun, Ajaan Lee, and Ajaan Maha Boowa.

Readings: Wilderness Readings, Wilderness Suttas

This set of recordings was recorded live at Aranya Refuge Theravada Buddhist Monastery's 'Monastery for a Month' over the course of November 2022 at Earthspring Sanctuary Retreat Centre on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada.

Short morning talks from the month (audio)

Evening/daytime talks from the month (audio, video)

This retreat recording includes a morning and afternoon session, each comprised of a guided meditation and teachings offered by Taan Ajaan Geoff.

Supplementary readings: ​“Beyond All Directions”; ​“On Denying Defilement”