Monthly Program (Sponsorship: Nilantha W. & Vindya, Sanjaya & Inoka K.)
Inner Peace through Meditation and Yoga
Dhamma Talk & Day of Mindfulness
with Bhante Rahula
at Cleveland Buddhist Vihara,
1695 Vernon Odom Blvd, Akron, OH 44320
Mindfulness is a mental training practice that helps us slow down racing thoughts, become aware of habitual behaviors, and cultivate greater presence in our daily lives. Research has shown that mindfulness can reduce stress, strengthen the immune system, and lower blood pressure.
In the Buddhist tradition, mindfulness is also a path for developing insight into the true nature of life and nurturing compassion for all living beings.
This one-day retreat will integrate mindfulness meditation in sitting, standing, and walking postures, along with gentle yoga stretches to support sustained awareness of body and mind. The program will include basic meditation instructions, guided practices, and Dhamma talks on Inner Peace and overcoming challenges in meditation.
Dhamma Talk:
Saturday 22nd November 2025 at 6:30 pm
Retreat:
Sunday 23rd November 2025
From 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
Retreat is open to practitioners of all levels.
Lunch and refreshments will be served.
Registration is required for this retreat. The program is donation-based, and your contributions to help cover expenses and support the Cleveland Buddhist Vihara are deeply appreciated.
Space and seats are limited. Please sign up here
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080F4EAFA62FA2FC1-59989409-inner#/
Teacher:
Bhante Yogavacara Rahula is a senior Buddhist monk and meditation teacher. Born in Southern California, he traveled along the hippie trail to India, where his spiritual journey eventually led him to Sri Lanka and the Theravāda Buddhist tradition. He ordained as a novice monk in 1975. With many years of experience in both communal and solitary meditation practice, Bhante Rahula has become a respected teacher in the field of mindfulness and insight meditation.
After returning to the United States, he assisted Bhante Henepola Gunaratana in establishing the Bhavana Society Forest Monastery in High View, West Virginia, where he served as vice-abbot from 1986 to 2010. He currently serves as the director and guiding teacher of the Lion of Wisdom Meditation Center near Damascus, Maryland, where he regularly leads retreats integrating yoga breathing and exercise with vipassana.
Program Schedule
AM
8:30 – 9:00: Observance of Precepts & Chanting/Recitation
9:00 – 9:45 – Basic Instructions on Meditation
9:45 – 11.15 – Sitting Meditation followed by standing
and walking
11:15 – 11:30 – Buddha Pooja
11:30 – 12:30 – Dana and lunch for all participants
PM
12:30-1:00 – Cleaning & Break
1:00-1:30 – Further Guidance and Q & A
1:30: 2:15 – Walking meditation
2:15-3:00 – Sitting meditation
3:00-3:15 – Tea Break
3:15-4:00 – Yoga Postures and Stretches
4:00-5:00 – Dhamma Talk and Q & A
5:00-5:30 – Dedication of Merits and Conclusion
5:00-6:00 – Cleaning