Mindfulness of the Body
Teacher
Sayādaw U Jāgara
When
June 13-18, 2025
Where
Villa St-Martin,
Pierrefonds, QC
In this retreat we will approach meditation practices focusing on the body, inspired mainly from the Kayagatasati Sutta ( Majjhima Nikaya 119 ). Meditation on the body playsan important role in all Buddhist practices. The term kaya in itself can convey many possibilities, and we will use a few of them to refine our understanding of this body that is ours, as well as of everything that pertains to our mental “body” (mind, consciousness, etc.). The qualities of love and compassion will also be part of our journey.
This retreat will be taught in French.
Teacher
Born in Canada, Sayādaw U Jāgara was officially introduced to Buddhist practice in the mid-1970s by Mr. Robert Hover, an American teacher in the tradition of Sayagyi U Ba Khin of Burma (Myanmar).
In 1979, U Jāgara was ordained as a monk by Mahasi Sayadaw in Burma (Myanmar). He then spent 15 years living a monastic life in Sri Lanka, combining meditation with the study of Buddhist texts, with some retreats in Thailand as well. While based in Sri Lanka, U Jāgara periodically traveled to India where he practiced in long retreats with S. N. Goenka. Starting in 1983, he was mandated by Mr. Goenka to conduct retreats in that tradition, which he did internationally for 10 years as a monk.
From 1995, U Jāgara trained under the guidance of Pa Auk Sayadaw (Myanmar), the Burmese master renowned for his extensive approach to jhānas and detailed analytical application of vipassana. On several occasions from 2004 onwards, U Jāgara assisted Pa Auk Sayadaw in teaching in the West.
In 2019, U Jāgara left Myanmar to return to Canada to continue his monk’s life. He has been teaching retreats in the Theravada tradition in North America periodically.
Registration
LOCATION: 21269 Boul Gouin O, Pierrefonds, QC H9K 1C1, Canada.
Villa Saint-Martin is an Ignatian Spirituality Centre that welcomes retreats accomodating the needs of a wide audience, including Dharma organizations. Please note there are Christian symbols on the site.
All of the rooms at Villa St-Martin are single rooms with a sink. Washrooms are shared.
ARRIVAL TIME: 3:30-5 pm, Friday, June 13. The retreat will conclude by lunch on Wednesday, Juin 18. Everyone is welcome to stay for lunch. The teachers request that you plan to attend the entire retreat – please arrive on time and stay through the closing talk.
COST: TNI is dedicated to offering affordable rates to all. TNI retreat fees are on a sliding scale basis that allows participants to pay according to individual means. Fees do not include compensation for the teachings, and teachers rely on the generosity of retreatants for a sustainable income. There is an opportunity to offer dana (donations) to the teachers at the end of each retreat.
A deposit of 50% of the base rate is required to register to the retreat. The deposit is included in all of our fees.
- Benefactor: $2 000
- Sustaining: $1 300
- Base: $1 050
- Reduced: $900
- Scholarship: upon request
◆ Deposit : $525
Benefactor
The Benefactor rate provides the opportunity to offer more substantial support for TNI.
Sustaining
The Sustaining rate represents the actual cost to TNI to operate our programs. If you can afford this level or higher, you assist our efforts to offer lower sliding-scale rates and ongoing financial subsidies.
Base
The Base rate covers 82 % of what is needed to run our organization. To balance our budget and to wisely steward our resources, donations must supplement our registration income.
Reduced
Payment at the Reduced rate covers only 71 % of what is needed to run our organization. To balance our budget and to wisely steward our resources, donations must supplement our registration income.
Scholarship
TNI offers scholarships of up to a 50% reduction of the base rate on our sliding scale to those who request it. A limited number of scholarships are available.