Meditation Glossary
A guide to meditation styles, retreat formats, and common terminology.
Meditation Styles
- Vipassana
- Insight meditation from the Theravada Buddhist tradition, focusing on mindful observation of body sensations and mental phenomena. Practitioners develop moment-to-moment awareness through systematic attention to breathing and bodily sensations, leading to insight into the impermanent nature of experience.
- Zen
- A Mahayana Buddhist tradition emphasizing seated meditation (zazen), direct experience, and teacher-student transmission. Originating in China and refined in Japan, Zen practice often includes koan study, mindful work, and formal ceremonies alongside silent sitting.
- Tibetan
- Vajrayana Buddhist practices including visualization, mantra recitation, and working with a qualified teacher in a lineage tradition. These practices may include deity yoga, tonglen (giving and receiving), and various tantric techniques transmitted from teacher to student.
- Theravada
- The oldest surviving Buddhist school, emphasizing the Pali Canon teachings and monastic practice. Theravada retreats often take place in monastery settings and may include teachings on the four foundations of mindfulness and the path to liberation.
- Insight
- Western adaptation of vipassana, often with a psychological orientation and less formal religious structure. Insight meditation as taught in Western centers typically emphasizes practical application in daily life alongside traditional mindfulness techniques.
- Secular
- Meditation practices separated from religious frameworks, often mindfulness-based approaches like MBSR (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction). These retreats focus on the practical benefits of meditation without requiring adherence to any spiritual belief system.
Retreat Formats
- Residential
- Stay overnight at the retreat center for the duration of the retreat. Room and board are typically included. This immersive format removes daily distractions and allows for deeper practice within a supportive community environment.
- Day Retreat
- Attend during daytime hours only, returning home each evening. Day retreats offer a taste of intensive practice while allowing participants to maintain some normal routines. They're often a good starting point for beginners.
- Online
- Participate remotely via video conference or streaming platform. Online retreats provide accessibility for those unable to travel, though they require more self-discipline to maintain retreat conditions at home.
- Hybrid
- Combination of in-person and online participation options. Some participants attend at the center while others join remotely, often with dedicated online support and breakout sessions.
Experience Levels
- All Levels
- Suitable for practitioners of any experience, from complete beginners to advanced. Instructions are typically offered at multiple levels, and teachers adapt their guidance to individual needs.
- Beginner
- Designed for those new to meditation, with basic instruction provided. These retreats offer foundational teachings, often with shorter sitting periods and more guidance throughout the day.
- Intermediate
- For practitioners with established meditation experience, typically 1+ years of regular practice or previous retreat experience. Less instruction is provided, with longer sitting periods.
- Advanced
- For experienced practitioners, often requiring prior retreat experience or teacher approval. These retreats may involve longer sits, stricter silence, and more intensive practice schedules.
Common Terms
- Dana / Donation-Based
- Retreats offered on a generosity (dana) basis, where participants give what they can afford. This tradition ensures teachings remain accessible while supporting teachers and centers.
- Noble Silence
- A practice of refraining from speech, gestures, and eye contact during retreat. Noble silence supports internal focus and reduces social stimulation, allowing for deeper concentration.
- Dharma Talk
- A teaching or lecture on Buddhist principles and meditation practice. Dharma talks provide context for practice and address common challenges faced by practitioners.
- Sesshin
- An intensive Zen meditation retreat, typically lasting several days with minimal activity beyond sitting and walking meditation. The word means "gathering the mind."
- Metta / Loving-Kindness
- A meditation practice cultivating unconditional goodwill toward oneself and others. Often used alongside insight practices to develop emotional balance and compassion.
Note: Terminology may vary between traditions and centers. When in doubt, contact the retreat center directly with any questions about format, requirements, or expectations.