Guidance

Bernardine Cody and Gareth Freaney are the co-founders of Lotus Village, which, in 1998, became the first Theravadin Buddhist Centre in South East Ireland. They are also the resident meditation guides at the Centre, as well as acting as facilitators. Gar and Ber have 21 years experience in the practice and study of Vipassana Meditation in the Burmese tradition of Mahasi Sayadaw which contains a profound psychology from the Buddha who is the source from which all Buddhist schools later developed.  Gar and Ber have done years of deep Buddhist studies of the Suttas and the Palli Canon. Apart from years of practice with Theravadin teachers they have done advanced studies in Tibetan Buddhism which they often use to embelish their teachings. Ber and Gar have often joined the monks in Mount Melleray and the nuns in Glencarin for lengthy periods of contemplation and prayer. They have also studied the works of Thomas Merton and many other Christian mystics. Both took refuge and became Buddhists in 1998. Gar and Ber have a deep understanding of the Buddhist Dharma (truth) and are experienced teachers of it. The Burmese teaching, which was revived by Mahasi Sayadaw, was brought to Ireland in 1989 by Frits Koster (Pra Jananando former Buddhist Monk) on the invitation of Marjo Oosterhoff (founder of meditation centre Passadhi — see links). Sister Jotika Hearne also came from Holland c.1989 to give retreats in Vipassana Meditation. To all of those we will be eternally grateful.

Metta or Loving Kindness Meditation is also taught at the Centre and advice is given on the Concentration f Samadhi or Anapanasati.