Residential retreats are silent retreats. We speak only during Q&A sessions, during interviews with the teacher, and during work-meditation periods, when necessary. Days usually consist of alternating sitting and walking meditations, with a dhamma teaching in the morning and/or the afternoon or evening, and breaks for breakfast, lunch, and a light evening meal. The first sitting is usually between 6:00 and 7:00 a.m. and the last sitting is usually between 8:00 and 10:00 p.m. Sittings may last 45 to 75 minutes (depending on the type of retreat) and walking meditation may last 30 to 45 minutes. You will have an opportunity to speak with the teacher about your practice usually once every two or three days, but there may be additional opportunities if the need arises.
