“Seeking stillness in the city?” It’s an understandable desire. Right here in Stockholm lies a place dedicated to inner peace: the Drom Tonpa Center.
The Drom Tonpa Center offers a unique opportunity to connect with Buddhist teachings. It’s right here and now. You can benefit without needing to take time off work. You won’t have to apply for vacation.
Vipassana meditation thrives here. It teaches observers to mindfully explore the present. People watch their bodies and minds. They train themselves to respond without reacting.
The Drom Tonpa Center warmly welcomes everyone. Newcomers find guidance. Experienced meditators deepen their practice. Programs include sitting and walking meditations. Instructions, lectures, and question sessions complement them. Traditional Buddhist elements enrich the experience. The center presents the five training rules and chanting. Participants practice noble silence during retreats. The only exceptions are question sessions.
The Drom Tonpa Center hosted a city weekend retreat in February 2020. Sumana Ratnayaka and Staffan Hammers led it. Sumana Ratnayaka originated from Sri Lanka. Since 1985, he has frequently resided in Sweden. He lived as a Buddhist monk until 25 years ago. He then married and returned to Sri Lanka. Sumana lectured at a Sri Lankan university. He recently retired. He also holds a doctorate in Mindfulness from Lund University. Sumana has led meditation retreats across Scandinavia, Europe, and Asia.
Staffan Hammers also practiced as a Buddhist monk. He mostly worked in Sri Lanka. For one year, he lived with Sumana. They were at Stockholm Buddhist Vihara. Staffan helped launch Vipassanagruppen in the late 1970s. He has led meditation evenings and weekend retreats. These have occurred for the last 20 years. Staffan previously worked in system support. Now, he dedicates more time to meditation retreats. He lives with his wife south of Stockholm.
The retreat schedule includes a vegetarian lunch. Tea and fruit are available later in the evening. Teachings happen in both Swedish and English. Participants arrange their own overnight stays in Stockholm.
Vipassanagruppen also organizes retreats at Dharmagiri. It is a course center near Sala. These retreats combine Vipassana with Yinyoga. Marie Ericsson and Inger Wiklund-Fors lead these retreats. The combination helps both body and mind. Yinyoga is a newer yoga form based on old techniques. It blends traditional hathayoga. It includes Chinese medicine. Buddhist mindfulness meditation is also present. Participants hold positions. They stretch the body. This increases circulation. It enhances mobility. It also supports meditation practice. All can participate based on their abilities.
Retreats are held in silence. Participants avoid small talk. They only speak with teachers or staff. They can do so during group meetings, question times, or when necessary.
Marie Ericsson began meditating in India in 1970. She has completed long retreats in Thailand, Burma, England, and the USA. She is active in Vipassanagruppen since its start. Since 1998, she leads Thursday sessions and retreats. Marie has written two books.
Inger Wiklund-Fors has worked as a teacher. She meditated in the late 80s. She began with Zen. She continued with Tibetan samatha meditation. Finally, she came to Vipassana. She feels at home there. She is a trained yoga teacher.
So, as you stand here, consider the journey inward. The Drom Tonpa Center invites you to explore the depths of your own mind.