A Wise Heart: Vipassana Meditation Retreat

Imagine ten days of profound inner silence—where the constant chatter of your mind gradually settles, and you begin to perceive the subtle dance of breath, sensation, and thought with crystalline clarity. This is the invitation of A Wise Heart, a ten-day residential vipassana retreat rooted in the Mahasi Sayadaw lineage, the foundational method that shaped modern mindfulness practice in the West. Held in the serene setting of Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa in Pomaia, Tuscany, this retreat offers a rare opportunity to study insight meditation with Paolo Testa, a teacher uniquely trained in both classical Theravada Buddhist practice and contemporary psychotherapy.

Under Paolo's skilled guidance, you'll journey through three dimensions of transformative work: the psychological cultivation of spaciousness and freedom from identification with thoughts and emotions; the systematic refinement of concentration and vital mental factors like patience, equanimity, and compassion; and the intuitive recognition of impermanence, suffering, and the absence of a fixed, unchanging self. Rather than rushing toward peak experiences, this retreat honors the gradual unfolding of insight—beginning with direct observation of breath and body, then progressing toward increasingly subtle perceptions of mind-body processes and the nature of reality itself.

This is a retreat for sincere practitioners ready to investigate their own experience deeply and honestly, whether you're returning to meditation after years away or stepping into formal practice for the first time.

What to Expect

The retreat balances seated meditation with walking practice and gentle qigong, creating a rhythm that honors both stillness and gentle movement. Your days unfold with guided group meditations, individual instruction tailored to your experience, and teachings grounded in the Satipatthana (foundations of mindfulness). Paolo's approach bridges ancient Buddhist wisdom and modern psychological insight, making the practice accessible and personally relevant.

You'll work systematically with the four foundations of mindfulness—observing body, sensation, mind, and mental phenomena—gradually training your attention to perceive the subtle, interdependent processes usually hidden from ordinary awareness. The retreat creates a contained, supportive environment where you can investigate your own mind without distraction, supported by the collective energy of fellow practitioners and the natural beauty of Tuscany.

Most participants leave with a deepened capacity for presence, a clearer understanding of their habitual patterns, and renewed confidence in their ability to meet life with greater equanimity and compassion.

Venue & Logistics

The retreat takes place at Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa in Pomaia, Tuscany—a dedicated practice center nestled in the rolling Tuscan hills. The ten-day program runs August 16–26, 2026. Participants stay on-site in simple, comfortable residential accommodations. Wear loose, comfortable clothing suitable for sitting and walking meditation; the institute provides cushions and benches. Please arrive a day early if possible to settle in and receive orientation. Contact the venue directly regarding accessibility needs.