Guided by a renowned Tibetan monk, Journey to Peace focuses on leading participants towards a healthier, happier lifestyle
Resort brand Aman, known for its wellness-focused stays, will be launching a brand new and enlightening six-night retreat, Journey to Peace. The aptly-titled spiritual retreat will run from October 24th to November 28th and help guests on their own path to peace.
Led by renowned Buddhist monk and mindfulness coach, Tibetan Lama (monk) Master Geshe YongDong, Journey to Peace will take place at four of Aman’s most serene retreats in Indochina: First at Amanoi, from October 22nd to 28th, on the coast of Vietnam; next at Amanpuri, from November 2nd to 8th in Phuket; then at Amansara, from November 12th to 18th, in Siem Reap near Angkor Wat’s magnificent ruins; and finally at Amantaka from November 22nd to 28th, in the UNESCO-protected Buddhist centre of Luang Prabang.
In each of these places, Geshe YongDong will share the ancient lessons of the Bon Tibetan Tradition, enabling participants to find the serenity of mind and spirit they seek. Participants can choose a six-night retreat at one resort, combine two or more resorts, or join the whole 24-night programme across all four destinations.
One of the basic tenets of the Bon Tibetan Tradition is the belief that peace is an internal state of consciousness that promotes true happiness. Journey to Peace has been curated as an emotional journey, with Geshe YongDong guiding individuals through the different stages to achieving this enlightened state of being. These include changing perceptions, letting go of and healing anger and achieving the union of compassion and wisdom that allows one to live mindfully. Each day, the retreat will focus on one of five key concepts that will ultimately change mindsets to allow a healthier, happier life.
The itinerary includes:
Day 1 – Letting Go of Attachment
The retreat begins by focusing on the three layers of attachment, acknowledging them, and letting go in order to find freedom.
Day 2 – Changing Perceptions
The second day will center on changing perceptions while using positive thought patterns to dispel negativity and its dire effects.
Day 3 – The Power of Breath
Participants will delve into the power of the breath and how respiration and the mind are deeply connected. They will work on cultivating slow, mindful breathing to bring balance and calm within, regardless of challenges or stressors encountered.
Day 4 – Healing Anger
Day four helps guests understand anger and teaches how to practice special techniques of mindfulness and awareness to gain control of this powerful negative emotion.
Day 5 – Living in the Moment
The final day will conclude with sessions on living in the moment mindfully, rather than paying attention to the illusions of past and future, which can become all-consuming.
Each day will include Tsa Lung breathwork and meditation; two individual, 90-minute sessions with Geshe YongDong; a therapeutic spa treatment; and a 60-minute evening session of chanting, mantra recitation and meditation. Accommodation and full board are included, with optional daily group movement classes and complimentary airport transfers. After each retreat, Geshe YongDong will stay on as a specialist in residence for two days, offering guests further opportunity to draw on his wisdom in private one-on-one sessions.
Born in Tibet in 1969, Geshe YongDong became a monk at just 13 years of age when he entered the Nangzhig Bonpo Monastery, the largest Bon Monastery in Tibet. A gifted scholar, he was awarded the Rajampa Geshe Degree (Doctorate of Divinity) – the highest degree in Tibetan monastic in 1992. He also studied and practiced under many masters including the 14th Dalai Lama and Menri Trizin. Geshe YongDong teaches philosophy and YungDrung Bon Buddhism – being one of the few worldwide to have mastered the tradition.
For over twenty years, he has taught in many spiritual centres and universities around the world and is the founder and spiritual director of Sherab Chamma Ling and Bon da Ling, spiritual centres in British Colombia and Costa Rica. He is vice president of the International Tibetan non-sectarian Buddhism organisation and has published several books in Tibetan and English.
Geshe YongDong will lead his retreat sessions in spaces that resonate with him and his subject matter. He will ensure that this retreat provides the tools to achieve peace in every individual’s journey forward.
Each of the four Aman resorts hosting Journey to Peace add something new to the retreat, whether it be Luang Prabang’s aura of living spirituality, the deeply affecting temples of Angkor or the healing power of nature and the ocean in Vietnam and Thailand. The surrounding country’s distinctive culture and cuisine will also play its part in assuring a unique experience.