Silent Simplicity Retreat

Awaken your spirit on a beautiful spring morning with mindfulness, heartfelt reflection, and a touch of renewal.

Our 2.5 hour morning Silent Simplicity Mindfulness Retreat will include: basic sitting meditation instruction, conscious breathing, quiet sitting & walking, voice meditation, and noble silence. This special event will take place at the beautiful Mansfield Freeman Center for East Asian Studies, 343 Washington Terrace in Middletown, CT. This will be a perfect opportunity to rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit overlooking a harmoniously balanced and unique Zen garden setting.

Silent Simplicity is a retreat for everyone, focusing purely on the human practice of mindfulness. It’s not tied to any religion or ‘Buddhist’ tradition, making it ideal for people of all backgrounds—religious or not, first-timers or seasoned practitioners.

Potential Outcomes:

1) Enhanced Mental Clarity and Focus

2) Reduced Stress and Anxiety

3) Emotional Healing and Well-being

4) Deeper Spiritual Connection

Whether you are seeking to deepen your mindfulness practice or simply craving a tranquil morning getaway, this Silent Simplicity retreat will offer a transformative experience that will leave you feeling refreshed, recentered, and reconnected to the present moment. 

In Summary & Registration

Our Silent Simplicity Retreat will take place at the beautiful Mansfield Freeman Center for East Asian Studies in Middletown, CT.  Our 2.5-hour morning silent retreat includes: basic sitting meditation instruction, conscious breathing, sitting, walking, and noble silence. To learn about what is mindfulness (sati) and its benefits scroll below.

Retreat Time: from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Arrival:  8:30 a.m. to 8:50 a.m.

Location: Mansfield Freeman Center for East Asian Studies, 343 Washington Terrace, Middletown, Connecticut

No prerequisites: for first-timers, beginners to the most experienced.

Pre-registration is required. No walk-ins.

Cost: $58

Early Bird Discount of $8 until April 3, 2025 
Discount Code: buddha1

Open to the general public including friends, non-buddhists, buddhists & non-religious.

What to wear? Loose, causal, & non-distracting clothing and socks. Participants may bring a bottle of water. Zafus (cushions) and chairs are available.

Limited enrollment. The retreat space is limited. Sign up early to have the best chance of getting a spot at the event.

Instructor: Rev. D. Senpai, M.A., BFF of CT’s guiding teacher and Shin practicer, and student of Venerable Thich Tri Hong the esteemed and late Dr. (Rev.) Taitetsu Unno, will be the instructor for this retreat.

Register Here. Registration is open until May 2, 2025 at 12:59 p.m.

Be sure to read on the ticket the Refund Policy Disclaimer of Responsibility, Code of Conduct, & Image Release Agreement. By registering to this event, you have confirmed and agreed to these policies, agreements, code of conduct.

What Is Mindfulness?

“Mindfulness (sati) is the practice of becoming more fully aware of the present moment–non-judgmentally and completely–rather than dwelling in the past or projecting into the future. It generally involves a heightened awareness of sensory stimuli (really noticing your breathing, feeling the sensations of your body, etc.) and being “in the now.” While mindfulness has origins in Eastern philosophy and Buddhism, there is no necessary religious component to mindfulness — anyone, with any belief system, can enjoy the benefits of mindfulness.

How is mindfulness attained? Mindfulness can be achieved through meditation, but one can also practice mindfulness through daily living. Simply focusing on the present moment and quieting your inner dialogue can help you attain mindfulness.”  – By Elizabeth Scott, M.S