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Retreat dates: June 27 – July 5, 2026
Location: Upītes, Katvari Parish, Limbaži Municipality, Latvia
We warmly invite you to take part in a meditation retreat in the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, guided by the experienced emeritus monk Ajahn Khemasiri.
The retreat is suitable both for those who are new to meditation and for participants with previous experience. During the retreat there will be an opportunity to step back from the pace of everyday life, spend time in silence, and deepen one’s experience of meditation and mindfulness.
Ajahn Khemasiri: “Within all of us lies the potential to completely awaken from the habitual trance states, which keep us bound within the claws of greed, aversion, delusionor and all its derivatives. In other words: The wheel of becoming.
The retreat will be dedicated to an exploration of how our spiritual capacities (indriya*) can not only be discovered, but also further developed in a steady and balanced way.
Within the context of communal silence various forms of Buddhist meditation and contemplation will assist us, so that the resulting insight and understanding of the way things are will become an integral part of our everyday life. A life, which is fully oriented towards the realization of truth or reality.”
Various forms of meditation will be practiced, including sitting and walking meditation, as well as awareness practices. Most of the retreat will be held in silence; however, at certain times participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and take part in discussions with the teacher.
Each day will include a balance of communal and individual practice. The retreat may feel challenging at times, yet for many participants it becomes a meaningful experience and a source of inspiration for daily life.
Participation in the retreat does not require being a Buddhist or having prior knowledge of Buddhist teachings. An interest in meditation and a willingness to dedicate time to mindful practice are sufficient. The retreat is suitable for both beginners and experienced meditators.
Please note that this is not a meditation training course, but an opportunity to practice under the guidance of an experienced monk. Participants who have not previously attended retreats organized by the Latvian Theravāda Buddhist Society are kindly invited to a short online conversation to discuss the retreat structure and its suitability for them.
If you would like to learn more about the retreat, please write to: kristine.dudina@lu.lv
We will contact you to arrange a time for the conversation.
Ajahn Khemasiri was born in Magdeburg/East Germany in 1950, but after becoming a refugee with his family he grew up and lived mainly in West-Germany between 1959 until 1975.
His first interest in Buddhism arose 1977 in Berlin, after having met monks from the Tibetan tradition, the late 16th Karmapa and Kalu Rimpoche. One year later, in early 1978, he encountered Ajahn Sumedho in London - the most senior Western disciple of the renowned Thai meditation master Ajahn Chah - and was inspired to begin meditation practice under his guidance. Eventually he moved to England and in 1984 became a novice in the newly opened Amaravati Buddhist Centre. In 1986 he was granted acceptance into the Bhikkhu Sangha at Chithurst Forest Monastery.
He spent his primary monastic years in several British monasteries and then moved on to Switzerland in 1993. From late 1995 onwards his time at Dhammapala Monastery was interrupted by a visit to the Buddhist holy places in Nepal and India and an almost four year stay in monasteries and secluded places in Thailand and Burma. He returned to Switzerland at the end of 1999 and in 2005 became the leader of the small monastic community in the Swiss mountains.
In 2018 he relinquished his duties as the abbot of Dhammapala Monastery and started to live in various monasteries in Europe and Canada. In 2020 he returned to Switzerland and has been living as an Emeritus Elder at Dhammapala ever since.
Meals
During the retreat, the following vegetarian meals will be provided: breakfast, lunch. evening tea.
In accordance with Buddhist retreat traditions, participants refrain from eating after lunch.
Accommodation
Accommodation is provided in simple, ascetic rooms, with 3–5 people sharing a room.
Additional options are private rooms (for 1–2 people) or camping in your own tent.
Please note that the number of private rooms is limited. Payment for a private room should be made only after confirmation of availability has been received.
Participation Fee
The participation fee (donation) for the 9-day retreat is:
The participation fee covers only organizational expenses (venue rental, meals, travel costs, medical supplies, etc.). The teacher and organizers do not receive any form of remuneration for their work.
If you wish, you may make a donation to the Latvian Theravāda Buddhist Society (LTBS) or to the teacher’s monastery. Donations to LTBS can be made on site during the retreat or via bank transfer. If you would like to donate to the teacher’s monastery, please contact us and we will provide further information.
Registration
If you decide to participate, please read the retreat guidelines and complete the online application form below.
If this will be your first retreat in the Buddhist tradition, you will be invited to a short online conversation to discuss the retreat structure and its suitability for you.
To confirm your registration, a registration fee of 30 EUR (non-refundable) is required.
The registration fee is part of the total participation fee.
The remaining balance should be transferred by June 20.
You may also choose to pay the full participation fee at the time of registration.
Retreat Location Address
Upītes, Katvari Parish, Limbaži Municipality, LV-4060, Latvia
GPS coordinates: 57° 32' 54'' N, 24° 49' 05'' E
If using Waze, enter: “Viesu mājas Upītes, Katvaru pagasts, Līcīši”
Website: http://www.upites.lv
LTBS bank details:
Latvian Theravāda Buddhist Society
Registration number: 40008091614
Legal address: Sniedzes iela 13, Riga, LV-1015
SWEDBANK
SWIFT: HABALV22
IBAN: LV78HABA0551010398468
* Indriya refers to the inner spiritual faculties that, in the Buddhist tradition, are cultivated in a balanced way. In Theravāda Buddhism, five indriya are commonly described:
– faith / confidence (saddhā) – trust in the path, the teaching, and the practice
– energy / effort (viriya) – willingness to practice and persevere
– mindfulness (sati) – the ability to be present with experience
– concentration (samādhi) – stability and steadiness of the mind
– wisdom (paññā) – understanding the nature of experience
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