The Noble Eightfold Path consists of 3 parts: Ethics (Sila), Concentration (Samadhi) and Wisdom (Panna). These three are the cardinal practices which when carefully and fully cultivated raise the practitioner from lower to higher states of mind, lead from darkness to light, from passion to dispassion, from turmoil to tranquillity. These three are integral parts of the Path, they are interdependent and inseparable. In essence they are one integrated training, which is seen  in three aspects.

The progressive course is led by Dr. Shiro Bandara from UK. It consists of 6 non-residential sessions. Each session consists of 2 days: Saturday and Sunday from 9:30 to 17:30 and takes place in Ranelagh, Dublin 6. The first session is on November 15-16th and the course will continue throughout the first part of 2015 (approximately 1 session per month). The second session is planned for early February 2015.

This course is suitable for both beginners and experienced practitioners.

Session 1: Saturday, November 15th - Sunday, November 16th, 2014, 9:30 - 17:30

Main focus: Study, meditation and practice of Karaneeya Metta Sutta (The Discourse On Loving Kindness).

Session includes practice of sitting, walking and standing meditation (both guided and non-guided), mindfulness, Dhamma talks which cover many aspects of the Threefold training as well as elements of vipassana (practice of insight), Dhamma discussions and personal guidance.

Venue: Ranelagh, Dublin 6. See map and directions here.

Date: Saturday, November 15th - Sunday, November 16th, 2014

Time: 9:30 - 17:30

Fee: 20 Euro per weekend (a few bursaries are available, please write in confidence to info@irishsanghatrust.ie to apply). The teaching itself is offered on free basis and neither the teacher nor organizers financially benefit from the course (the teacher and organizers are volunteers). The fee is used to cover the cost of running the event.

Lunch: We will share a vegetarian lunch at about 12 noon on both days. Please bring some food to share if you wish to join in. 

Places are limited, early registration is essential.

Registration: please click here (or contact us at info@irishsanghatrust.ie)

• In order to make a secure booking, please complete the online booking form.
• Remember to pre-register before evening on the Friday preceding the retreat. Please do not assume there will be space available at the last minute.

On the day:

• Please be seated in the meditation hall at least 5 minutes before the session. Comfortable clothing is recommended. Dressing in layers is also a good idea.
• Please bring some food for a shared vegetarian lunch, if you wish to join us for the midday meal. 
• Refreshments, CDs and Dharma books are available for free distribution.

Dana (Donation)

Dana to Irish Sangha Trust (IST). Any donation made to the IST will be used to cover the cost of the retreat. The organizers of IST are volunteers and do not financially benefit from the IST funds.