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Introductory Retreats 2012 - (Updated 03/02/12)


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

February 2012    
Full 03 - 10 Focusing & Meditation
Full 10 - 17 Yoga & Meditation with Padmadarshini & Sue Garner
March 2012    
3 Spaces Available 09 - 16 Everyday Mindfulness with Ratnadevi
Spaces Available 16 - 23 Yoga & Meditation with Sudaka & Sadhita
Spaces Available 23 - 30 Gay Men's
April 2012    
5 Spaces Available 06 - 13 Photography & Meditation led by Amoghavira
Spaces Available 13 - 20 Yoga & Meditation with Manjunaga & Ginny Stuart
Spaces Available 20 - 27 Introduction to Meditation & Buddhism
Spaces Available 27 - 01 May Introduction to Meditation & Buddhism long weekend
May 2012    
Spaces Available 11 - 18 Hillwalking & Meditation
Spaces Available 18 - 25 Tai Chi & Meditation with Dharmamudra
Spaces Available 25 - 01 Jun Shiatsu & Meditation
June 2012    
Spaces Available 01 - 08 Yoga & Meditation with Jinavmsa & Claire Stephen
Spaces Available 15 - 22 Hillwalking & Meditation
Spaces Available 22 - 29 Buddhism & the Psychic World
Spaces Available 29 - 06 Jul Who's Living Your Life? with Suryacitta
July 2012    
Spaces Available 06 - 13 Yoga & Meditation with Inalu
Spaces Available 13 - 20 Hillwalking & Meditation
Spaces Available 20 - 27 Dancing the Unknown with Jayachitta
Spaces Available 27 - 03 Aug Introduction to Meditation & Buddhism
August 2012    
Spaces Available 03 - 10 Hillwalking & Meditation
Spaces Available 10 - 17 Yoga & Meditation with Angelika & Ginny
Spaces Available 17 - 24 Call of Beauty
Spaces Available 31 - 07 Sep Yoga & Meditation with Manjunaga & Inalu
September 2012    
Spaces Available 28 - 05 Oct Hillwalking & Meditation
October 2012    
Spaces Available 05 - 12 Photography & Meditation led by Amoghavira
Spaces Available 19 - 26 Tai Chi, Poetry & Meditation with Larry Butler
Spaces Available 26 - 02 Nov Painting & Meditation
November 2012    
Spaces Available 02 - 09 Yoga & Meditation with Sudaka & Sadhita
December 2012    
Spaces Available 14 - 16 Introduction to Meditation & Buddhism weekend


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

These retreats combine introductory meditation teaching with yoga. The supportive atmosphere of the retreat allows us to develop and deepen both practices, and understand how the two augment each other. Both meditation and yoga teaching will be from first principles and will be suitable for complete beginners. However, many people also come back on these enjoyable retreats year after year. Please visit our web site for details of teachers and their styles.


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

These retreats provide an excellent introduction to both meditation and Buddhism. 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 and are an ideal situation in which to take a fresh look at yourself and your life.


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.


Wisdom of the Body (Focusing & Meditation)

03 - 10 February 2012

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.

Everyday Mindfulness

09 - 16 March 2012

Led by Ratnadevi and Larry Butler

During the last couple of decades, the benefits of mindfulness practice have been widely explored within the secular sciences. It has been recognised as a powerful tool for well-being, integrating the older and newer parts of the brain; the right and left hemispheres, as well as body and mind. This retreat explores how we can shift towards a more mindful way of being that really will make a difference to the way we live and experience ourselves; more calm, kind and centred; connected to ourselves, others, the environment and our purpose in life. We will learn about the place of mindfulness within a Buddhist context and experience the joys (and challenges) of meditation, the gentle movement of yoga and tai-chi, as well as some reflective writing, as support to the changes we may want to make.

Facilitated by Ratnadevi, an experienced mindfulness (MBCT) and yoga teacher, and Larry Butler, Tai-chi teacher and writer.

 


Who's Living Your Life?

29 June - 06 July 2012

Led by Suryacitta

We all have what we call dominant selves and selves that have been disowned. This imbalance in ourselves is the cause of much confusion, distress and even illness. These dominant selves (energetic habits) are often in control of our lives leaving us feeling helpless and frustrated. Through meditation and the Voice Dialogue process we will explore these inner selves, bringing much understanding of who we are and how we function, and beginning to take back control over our lives.


Dancing the Unknown

20 - 27 July 2012

Led by Jayachitta and Suryacitta

This retreat combines meditation with movement improvisation. Movement improvisation uses fun physical and vocal exercises to promote creativity, mindfulness and greater awareness of the body. The atmosphere will be playful and appreciative and is suitable for anyone who wants to explore physical and vocal expression in a supportive environment. Improvisation supports meditation in helping us to be present to the ever-moving mind, allowing thoughts and feelings to come and go, without holding on.


Painting & Meditation

26 Oct - 02 Nov 2012

Led by Tejini (fromerly Christine Ironside)

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. You will be led through the production of a series of small drawings and paintings based in landscape. The retreat will include time for walking and relaxation.


The Call of Beauty

17 - 24 August 2012

Led by Mahasukha and Jutika

Calling lovers of beauty: join us in a joyful, tribal and meditative week imbued with a spirit of devotion; celebrating beauty, creativity, myth and the imagination through an uplifting and nourishing menu of soulful singing, dancing, meditation, mantra, ritual, poetry and community - set in a beautiful landscape. Bring body and soul, voice, songs, instruments, guitar, drums.

"Let the beauty we love be what we do" - Rumi


Buddhism & the Psychic World

22 - 29 June 2012

Led by Bodhiccha

This retreat will involve 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 auras, chakras and energy fields, telepathy, precognition, remote viewing, near death and death experiences and responding appropriately to beings from other realms. Throughout the retreat there will be an emphasis on clarity of mind and working safely within our own limits from a strong foundation of Buddhist meditation, understanding and ethical practice. 


Tai Chi & Meditation

18 - 25 May 2012 Led by Dharmamudra

Tai Chi is very beneficial for promoting relaxation, inner and outer balance and stimulating the body's healing energies. The retreat will include Tai Chi instruction, Buddhist meditation, some ritual and silence -­ as well as free time to explore the beautiful surroundings. The teachers all have extensive experience of both disciplines, and of combining their depth of experience to create these popular and powerful retreats.


Open Day

Sat 05 November 2011, 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.

 


Shiatsu & Meditation

25 May - 01 June 2012

Led by Diane Barnard

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

 


Gay Mens' Retreat - An introduction to meditation and Buddhism for gay men

23 - 30 March 2012

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.

 


Tai Chi, Poetry & Meditation

21 - 28 October 2011 Led by Larry Butler & Ratnadevi

19 - 26 October 2012 Led by Larry Butler



"Embrace Tiger Return to Mountain " 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.


Photography & Meditation

07 - 14 October 2011

06 - 13 April 2012 with Chloe Hall

05 - 12 October 2012


Led by Amoghavira & Steve Knight


A retreat that will explore the relationship between meditation and photography. By introducing the basics of photography, meditation and experiential practices from Zen Buddhism we can go deeper into each discipline to see how they can support and complement one another. No experience of photography is necessary but participants are required to bring an SLR camera (digital or film) with them.

 

 
 
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DHANAKOSA Buddhist Retreat Centre, Balquhidder, Lochearnhead, FK19 8PQ, Scotland. TeL: 01877 384 213. info@dhanakosa.com
The Dhanakosa Trust
Scottish Charity
No. SCO32776
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