5-Day New Year Retreat with Thai Monastic Meditation Masters, Luangpor Da Sammakhato, Ajahn Somchai Acaro, and Ajahn Wisoot Dhammacaro

A five-day silent meditation retreat in the Mahasati insight tradition, held at Wisdom House Retreat & Conference Center in Litchfield, Connecticut, as a way to begin the new year. The Center for Mindfulness & Insight Meditation in Redding, Connecticut, and the Wenham Insight Meditation Center of Wenham, Massachusetts, host it together. It is led by a team of senior Thai monastic teachers: Luangpor Da Sammakhato, Ajahn Somchai Acaro and Ajahn Wisoot Dhammacaro. The retreat is open to practitioners of all levels.

What to Expect

The retreat begins on Friday evening at 7:00 pm and runs through Saturday, Sunday and Monday, ending Tuesday at 1:00 pm. The teachers all practice within the tradition of Luangpor Teean Jittasubho, a twentieth-century Thai master who taught the elimination of mental and emotional suffering. His method uses awareness of the movement of the body as an anchor for developing mindfulness of the heart and mind.

The retreat is held mainly in silence, which allows self-awareness to deepen over an extended period without distraction. Dharma talks and question and answer periods are part of the program. As is traditional on meditation retreats, every participant also has a private interview with the teachers to support their practice.

The Teachers

Luangpor Da Sammakhato is an ordained Thai Forest Monk who has taught for decades. He practiced under Luangpor Teean and is one of his senior Dhamma heirs. He is currently Abbot of the Redding, Connecticut center.

Ajahn Somchai Acaro is a Theravada monk who has practiced since 1975. He lives and teaches at the Sukato Forest Monastery and the Satipaṭṭhāna Institute in Chaiyaphum Province, Thailand. He encourages clear awareness, understanding the nature of mind and body through direct observation, and bringing mindfulness into everyday activities in a practical, accessible way.

Ajahn Wisoot Dhammacaro is a Thai Forest Monk who lives and teaches at the Sukato Forest Monastery. For decades he has practiced and taught in the Mahasati Insight, or Dynamic Mindfulness, tradition of Luangpor Teean.

Michael Bresnan assists the monastic teaching team. He is a licensed psychologist who has practiced Mahasati Insight meditation for over 30 years, and he founded the Massachusetts and Connecticut practice centers.

The Setting

Wisdom House sits on 54 acres of meadows, woods and brooks in the northwest hills of Connecticut, a quiet atmosphere well suited to meditation. Lodging is included, and each participant has a private room. Most bathrooms are shared, and a limited number of ensuite rooms are available for an additional cost.

Meals are provided too. The kitchen serves wholesome food, with bread and desserts baked on the premises by the Wisdom House staff chef.

Before You Go

No previous experience is required, and both newer and long-time meditators are welcome. Registration is handled through the Center for Mindfulness & Insight Meditation in Redding. Participants who are able to give more at registration help cover the lodging and meals of the visiting teachers, and every contribution counts. Scholarships can be requested through the Redding center.