Samatha-Vipassana Meditation Retreat

This five-day silent meditation retreat in Pomaia, Tuscany, combines samatha (calm concentration) and vipassana (insight) in the Theravada Buddhist tradition. It is led by Mario Thanavaro at Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa. Newcomers and experienced practitioners are both welcome, and the retreat is offered in Italian and English.

The days alternate sitting and walking meditation from early morning to late evening, in a Noble Silence environment. The retreat suits anyone who wants to build a steadier mind and look more closely at how experience works.

What to Expect

The retreat opens on the first day with check-in by 4pm, then an opening meditation and introduction in the early evening, dinner, and a final sitting before the day ends at 10pm.

The three core days follow one steady rhythm. Rising is at 6am, and the first sitting begins at 7am. Through the morning, sitting periods alternate with shorter walking meditations, with breakfast at 8am. Lunch and rest fill the long midday break from 12:30pm to 3pm. The afternoon returns to walking and sitting, with a tea break between 4:30pm and 5:30pm. From 6:30pm to 7:30pm there is a teaching session, then dinner and a last sitting meditation in the evening.

Teachings draw on anapana (awareness of the breath), the brahma-viharas, impermanence, and conditionality. Calm concentration and insight are practiced together, so the quiet of one supports the clarity of the other. Participants can also request an individual consultation with the teacher.

The final day keeps the early start, with two morning sittings, a walking period, and a closing session, followed by lunch and farewells at 12:30pm.

The Setting

The retreat takes place at Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa in Pomaia, in Tuscany. The group can be as large as 250 participants.

Accommodation and meals are not part of the retreat itself. Full board vegetarian accommodation is available at the institute or affiliated facilities, with meals settled on arrival. Lodging is limited, so booking early is recommended. Participants may instead arrange private lodging elsewhere and skip the institute meals. All food is vegetarian.

Before You Go

No prior experience is required. What matters most is a sincere interest in deepening your understanding of meditation and a commitment to the retreat structure through all five days, including the silence.

The retreat includes all guided meditation sessions, teachings and instruction from Mario Thanavaro, the optional individual consultation, and access to the retreat facilities.