Bhante Jayasara, a Theravadan Buddhist monk residing at the Bhavana Society, in West Virginia, will lead three free Meditation Retreats next month in our area. The mindful gatherings, including silent sitting, Dhamma talks and mindful walking indoors or in outdoor gardens, will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., March 3, at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Greater Naples; 2 to 5 p.m., March 4, at the Happehatchee Eco-Spiritual Center, in Estero; and 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., March 5, at the Unitarian Church of Fort Myers.

No prior experience is needed to participate in any of these three opportunities to learn and practice mindfulness with a visiting Theravadan (old-style) Buddhist monastic. At the first event, attendees aren’t required to stay the entire time and a vegetarian lunch will be provided.

The monk has studied and now teaches with Bhante Gunaratana, author of Mindfulness in Plain English, a 90-year-old founding abbot of the Bhavana Society.

Donations accepted. Locations: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Greater Naples, 6340 Napa Woods Way; Happehatchee Eco-Spiritual Center, 8971 Corkscrew Rd.; University Church of Fort Myers, 13411 Shire Ln. For more information or to RSVP, call Ann Marina at 239-682-4575, email [email protected], or visit BhavanaSociety.org.