Introductory Retreats 2009 - (Updated 03/07/09)

Introductory Retreats are a great way to learn about meditation, Buddhism and comlementary activities in a friendly, relaxed environment. These retreats are open to all, suitable for both beginners and those with more experience.

July 2009
Full	03 - 10	Buddhism & the Psychic World
Full	10 - 17	Hillwalking & Meditation
Full	17 - 24	Yoga & Meditation with Angelika
Full	24 - 31	Tai Chi & Meditation
August 2009
Full	14 - 21	Hillwalking & Meditation
Spaces Available	28 - 04 Sep	Yoga & Meditation
September 2009
Spaces Available	11 - 18	Gay Men's Retreat
Spaces Available	18 - 25	Hillwalking & Meditation
Spaces Available	25 - 02 Oct	Yoga & Meditation with Sudaka & Manjunaga
October 2009
Spaces Available	09 - 11	Introduction to Meditation & Buddhism Weekend
Spaces Available	23 - 30	Yoga & Meditation with Angelika
November 2009
Spaces Available	06 - 13	Tai Chi, Poetry & Meditation
Spaces Available	20 - 27	Dance & Meditation
Spaces Available	27 - 04 Dec	Yoga Intensive with Padmadarshini
December 2009
Spaces Available	11 - 18	Yoga & Meditation

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Yoga & Meditation
*See table above for current retreat dates and availability

In these retreats the yoga bodywork will be presented as an integral part of meditation practice, both mutually supporting and augmenting one another. The classes will be taught from fundamental working principles and can be enjoyed by people with any level of experience.

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Introduction to Meditation & Buddhism Retreats
*See table above for current retreat dates and availability

Retreats are an ideal situation in which to take a fresh look at yourself and your life. You can learn to meditate or take your meditation further with the help of experienced teachers. This can help you develop clarity, confidence, energy and positive emotion. As well as giving you an introduction to meditation these retreats aim to give you a grounding in the basic principles of Buddhism. All in all these retreats provide an excellent introduction to both meditation and Buddhism.

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Hillwalking & Meditation Retreats
*See table above for current retreat dates and availability

Discover the majesty of the surrounding mountains or enjoy the quiet beauty of the glens and forest walks around Dhanakosa. A programme of meditation will give focus to the retreat and help us to become more appreciative of our experience.

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Focusing & Meditation
13 - 20 February 2009

Led by Manjudeva

"the body, in its infinite wisdom, knows its own way back to wholeness”

Focusing is a gentle yet powerful practice of listening to the wisdom and intelligence held within our bodies. It's a helpful tool for integration and personal healing that helps us to connect with what is most meaningful and alive in our lives. Combining this with meditation and ritual we will explore the body, not just as a foundation for practice but as a source of inspiration and teaching. Suitable for newcomers to both focusing and meditation.

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Painting & Meditation
29 May - 05 June 2009

Led by Christine Ironside

"Contemplating the Universe"

The focus of this retreat will be the quiet contemplation of the landscape through meditation and painting. This retreat will suit those wishing to deepen their experience of meditation and reflection. On this retreat you will be lead through the production of a series of small drawings and paintings based in landscape. The retreat will include time to walk and relax, a wee bit of music, some lovely images and inspiration.

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Buddhism & the Psychic World
03 - 10 July 2009

Led by Bodhiccha

Exploring our own experience of the paranormal in the context of both modern research and ancient Buddhist texts, primarily the Kevatta Sutta. Topics will include work with auras, chakras and energy fields, telepathy and precognition, exploring past lives and responding appropriately to spirits and beings from other realms.  The retreat will have an emphasis throughout on clarity of mind and working safely within our own limits from a strong foundation of Buddhist meditation, understanding and ethical practice.

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Tai Chi & Meditation
24 - 31 July 2009

Led by Dharmamudra and Nagamudra

Tai chi practice is very beneficial for promoting relaxation, inner and outer balance and stimulating the body's own healing energies. This popular retreat (now in its 12th year) will include tai chi instruction, Buddhist meditation, some ritual and silence as well as free time to explore the beautiful surroundings.

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Open Day
Sat 09 May 2009, 11am - 4pm

Visit for the Day, have a guided tour of the retreat centre and enjoy the beauty of our gardens and grounds. Refreshments will be available throughout the day. There will be a chance to try out meditation or have a chat about our activities. A great day out for families and children.

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Shiatsu & Meditation
27 March - 03 April 2009 *(limited spaces)

Led by Diane Barnard

Within a framework of the Five Element model of Traditional Chinese Medicine and daily Qigong practice,  Diana Barnard will teach basic Shiatsu techniques that will enable us to safely give and receive healing touch. In the course of the retreat we will experience the different energies and qualities of these elements.

Bodywork and energy work can deepen and transform our meditation practice as we relax and let go to the truth of the body.

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Gay Mens' Retreat - An introduction to meditation and Buddhism for gay men
11 - 18 September 2009

Led by Mangala

Buddhism teaches that all beings, regardless of their race, gender or sexual orientation, have the same spiritual potential; that all can develop greater awareness, kindness, compassion, understanding. On this retreat we will explore the Buddhist path of ethics, meditation and wisdom, by way of talks, discussion groups, meditation and other practices. No previous experience is necessary. The retreat will be led once again by Mangala, who has been doing these events for many years. He will be supported by a team of experienced order members.

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Earth Rituals
24 April - 01 May 2009

Led by Larry Butler and Ratnadevi

This retreat offers a nourishing combination of yoga, chi kung and meditation to re-centre ourselves and enjoy a felt sense of connectedness with all the elements (earth, water, fire, air and space) and with each other. The retreat may well give rise to the inspiration for personal and/or global change and there will be opportunities to design our own, creative rituals to support these changes. Getting out of the rut of old behaviour patterns can be hard; the power and fascination of ritual helps to establish new habits in our lives that are conducive to making our dreams come true.

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Tai Chi, Poetry & Meditation
06 - 13 November 2009

Led by Larry Butler & Vajragupta

"Turning to Gaze at the Moon"

A retreat expanding our horizons through language (voice & body). Each move in tai chi is a metaphor. The structured forms provide an inspiring backdrop for the creation of rhythmic patterns with words. Tai chi & poetry

have much in common: form, structure, sensitivity and a striving towards essence. Inspired by the moon Vajragupta will guide our daily meditations. Body awareness will be developed by Larry Butler through movement sessions based on Tai Chi & Chi Kung, and creative writing. Conscious movement can fuel creative expression in surprising ways.

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Dance and Meditation
20 - 27 November 2009

Led by Jocasta Crofts

Dance Improvisation is a beautiful form with which to contact our inner witness. The senses open and a natural being comes alive with three dimensionality of movement. We can embody our experience, finding new creative ways to express it through the body-mind.

When dance and meditation are consciously practiced alongside one another, a meeting place of support between them exists. Our ability to be present, still, dynamic, spontaneous, joyful and playful grows. Dance becomes a practice of awareness and sharing, a meditation in motion.