Ven Candā: "The Benefits of Long Retreat" Dhamma-Talk, Guided Meditation, Q&A 12.10.25

In her first talk following the 2025 rains retreat, Ven Candā reflects on long retreats and how they make space for our practice to bear fruit by giving us enough time to come into the present moment. The session starts with a half hour meditation and ends with a Q&A in which Ven Candā answers questions on how meditation can be a kindness to others, experimenting with unconventional meditation methods, and the process of moving into and out of a long retreat. [0:00] Guided meditation [28:00] Taking the time for retreat [38:22] Approaches for a long retreat [46:42] Connection and simplicity [53:03] Living meaningfully [56:52] Results of retreat [1:00:37] Q&A ✨ Anukampa Grove is our new Bhikkhuni residence: the first of its kind in the UK! Your help is especially appreciated at this exciting time: https://anukampaproject.org/donate ️ ✨ Standing orders help us plan ahead and cover our running costs. ✨ Please click SUBSCRIBE to help us spread the Dhamma! ABOUT US: Anukampa Bhikkhuni Project was founded in 2016 by Ven Canda and Ajahn Brahm. The charity aims to spread the Buddha's teachings and give women the opportunity to practice as bhikkhunis for the first time in UK history, by establishing a monastic residence for bhikkhunis. This second aim was accomplished in March 2024, when we procured a property in a secluded woodland hamlet near Oxford, called Anukampa Grove, where Ven Canda now resides. Donations of any amount are gratefully received and help support the monastics' requisite needs and cover our running costs, either as one-off gifts or standing orders. UK taxpayers can claim gift aid, increasing your donation by 25%. International bank transfers can be made via Wise. Please visit https://anukampaproject.org/donate or write to finances@anukampaproject for further information. General enquiries can be addressed to [email protected]