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Subhanaya

Subhanaya works at Dhanakosa and was ordained in 2021. Time in nature, in the water and wild places, is an important part of her spiritual and embodiment practice. Dance and movement has been a vital part of her life and practice for over 10 years and in 2024 she qualified to teach Open Floor Movement Practice, find out more on her website here. She brings qualities of kindness and deep listening to her teaching space, informed by a trauma-sensitive approach. In 2025 she qualified in teaching Trauma Sensitive Mindfulness. 

awakening body: movement, meditation and buddhism

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Retreat Type:
Introductory

This retreat takes an embodied approach to meditation - cultivating presence, aliveness and kindness through sitting meditation and mindful movement practices including free-form dance, gentle yoga and Qi Gong. This retreat is perfect for beginners interested in a contemporary and body-based approach to Buddhism and meditation, as well as those looking to deepen their existing practice through an embodied lens.

You'll learn two traditional Buddhist meditations – the mindfulness of breathing and the loving-kindness practice - as well as receive a clear introduction to the principles of meditation. We will also be exploring some traditional Buddhist teachings to get a sense of how these might be relevant to modern life. 

As well as time to move and meditate together, this retreat will include time for reflection, discussion, connection with others and time to explore the beautiful landscape around Dhanakosa and time to rest and just be, away from the pressures of everyday life. 

This retreat is suitable for complete beginners to meditation as well as being an ideal refresher for those who already have some experience. No experience of movement or dance is required, only a willingness to explore your experience of movement in the body you are living in. For more information, read the retreat information sheet. 

Booking Fee:

£100

Booking Availability:
Spaces

wild swimming, embodied movement and meditation

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Retreat Type:
Introductory

This retreat will take a playful approach to reconnecting with the body through the elemental experience of water and through movement. Each day we will have the opportunity for several swims in the local lochs and rivers as well as other explorations of water and wet places. 

We will have daily guided movement sessions to support embodiment and connection. There will also be introductory meditation teaching, daily collective meditation practice, and a practical contemporary look at some traditional Buddhist teachings. 

Swim activities will include lifeguard supported bank-based activities, swim trips (for more experienced swimmers) and the opportunity for un-supported personal swimming. There may also be the opportunity to walk by water and explore local burns and waterfalls.

For more information, including swimming ability and wetsuit requirement, please read the retreat information sheet before booking. For more detail about wetsuits, read our guide.

Booking Fee:

£100

Booking Availability:
Spaces

going deeper - dance of awareness

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Retreat Type:
Going Deeper

This retreat will take an embodied approach to the traditional Buddhist teaching of the four foundations of mindfulness – of body, feelings, thoughts and awareness – known as the Sattipatthana.  

We’ll practice slowing down and sensing into the subtle details of arising experience in movement and meditation, weaving between and combining these two aspects of practice – movement and stillness – to explore and deepen qualities of presence and aliveness.

Developing mindfulness of these aspects of unfolding experience grows our ability to embrace life fully – the painful and the beautiful – and to loosen fixed or limiting views of ourselves and others. 

The dance sessions will usually be with music and will involve guided exploration, exercises and time to follow your own experience in movement. No experience of dance or movement is required, only a willingness to explore your experience of movement in the body you are living in. For more information, read the retreat information sheet.

This is a Going Deeper retreat, for people who have done an introductory retreat or have been attending a local Buddhist centre and are familiar with the Metta Bhavana and Mindfulness of Breathing meditation practices. 

Booking Fee:

£100

Booking Availability:
Spaces

yoga, embodied movement and meditation - 5 nights

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Retreat Type:
Introductory

A new 5 night version of this popular retreat - start your year with a nourishing mix of movement and meditation, connecting with yourself and others in the winter landscape of Balquhidder Glen. 

The retreat combines introductory meditation teaching with a blend of traditional yoga and contemporary approaches to embodied movement. This playful synthesis of body-based approaches to well-being in the peaceful and supportive environment of the retreat can help you find ease and balance in your life. 

We will introduce two traditional Buddhist meditations and offer a solid introduction to the principles of meditation, giving you tools and practices that you can continue at home. We will also explore some traditional Buddhist teachings to get a sense of how these might be relevant in modern life. 

No previous experience of meditation, yoga or embodied movement is assumed, so these retreats are suitable for complete beginners, and they are also a good refresher for those who already have some experience.

For more information, read the retreat information sheet

Booking Fee:

£100

Booking Availability:
Spaces

introductory weekend

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Retreat Type:
Introductory

These retreats are an excellent short introduction to Buddhism and Meditation. We will cover an introduction to two traditional Buddhist meditations: the mindfulness of breathing and the development of loving kindness (metta bhavana). We will also introduce some key elements of the Buddhist tradition. As well as giving a grounding in the basic principles of Buddhism and meditation, these retreats are an ideal reflective situation in which to take a fresh look at ourselves.

These retreats are suitable for complete beginners to meditation as well as being an ideal refresher for those who already have some experience.

For more information read the retreat information sheet.

Booking Fee:

£75.00

Booking Availability:
Spaces

walking and nature awareness

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Led by:
Retreat Type:
Introductory

On this retreat we will explore how our connection with nature, landscape, and the elements can support a deepening of awareness and a more embodied and harmonious approach to life. We will weave together Buddhist teachings, meditation practice, and an appreciative and playful investigation of the natural world around us to create an experience of depth and connection. 

The retreat will include led walks, outdoor activities, an introduction to Buddhist meditation, Buddhist ethics, and basic Buddhist teachings looked at from a practical perspective. But perhaps more importantly than all of this is the opportunity to experience ourselves away from the trappings of our everyday lives and to relax into the freedom and spontaneity of our basic relationship with natural world around us. For it is this relaxation that supports a deeper understanding of ourselves and stronger appreciation of the connection with those around us. 

These retreats are suitable for complete beginners to meditation, and those who already have some experience.

For more information, read the retreat information sheet

Booking Fee:

£100

Booking Availability:
Retreat Full

Going deeper - women's hillwalking

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Retreat Type:
Going Deeper

This retreat will take an embodied and heartful approach to exploring and deeply connecting with our experience – out walking in the hills, through gentle movement practice and in meditation. 

We will meditate indoors and outside, where exploring our senses and opening our hearts to an elemental connection with nature will guide us. We will continue to practice the Mindfulness of Breathing and Metta Bhavana and also introduce Buddhist ritual and the seven-fold puja, with an emphasis on connecting with nature. Periods of silence together and quiet walks will all support a deep and rich experience of coming home to ourselves and the landscape that surrounds us, holds us and lives within us. The team will also offer mindful movement sessions to deepen our connection with our embodied experience and explore new ways of relaxing, moving with ease and deeply resourcing ourselves.

The retreat will include three days of guided walks, with walks to suit different levels of fitness. All walks are in the local area, but some require a short drive to get to the starting point. For more information on the walks, recommended fitness levels and the appropriate clothing and footwear to bring, please read the retreat information sheet

Going Deeper retreats are an ideal first regulars’ retreat. They are suitable for anyone who has already done an introductory retreat or who has been attending their local Triratna centre and wants to take things deeper.

We are open to bookings from a range of gender identities, in keeping with the intention of this women-centred retreat. If you are unsure if this retreat is a good fit for you please get in touch.

Booking Fee:

£100

Booking Availability:
Spaces

wild swimming, embodied movement and meditation

-
Retreat Type:
Introductory

This retreat will take a playful approach to reconnecting with the body through the elemental experience of water and through movement. Each day we will have the opportunity for several swims in the local lochs and rivers as well as other explorations of water and wet places. 

We will have daily guided movement sessions to support embodiment and connection. There will also be introductory meditation teaching, daily collective meditation practice, and a practical contemporary look at some traditional Buddhist teachings. 

Swim activities will include lifeguard supported bank-based activates, swim trips (for more experienced swimmers) and the opportunity for unsupported personal swimming. There may also be the opportunity to walk by water and explore local burns and waterfalls.

For more information, including swimming ability and wetsuit requirement, please read the retreat information sheet before booking. 

Booking Fee:

£100

Booking Availability:
Retreat Full

going deeper - dances of the heart

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Retreat Type:
Going Deeper

This retreat will take an embodied approach to the traditional Buddhist practice of the Brahma Viharas – the cultivation of loving kindness, compassion, joyful resonance and equanimity. 

The invitation is to step into this mandala of the heart - to meet and know these qualities in our bodies and in our dance. We’ll be learning how we can deeply resource ourselves through meditation and movement to embody and cultivate these qualities in our lives. 

The dance sessions will usually be with music and will involve guided exploration, exercises and time to follow your own experience in movement. Some exercises may include hands-on touch, this will always be explained in advance and non-contact options offered.

This is a Going Deeper retreat, for people who have done an introductory retreat or have been attending a local Buddhist centre and are familiar with the Metta Bhavana and Mindfulness of Breathing meditation practices. No experience of dance or movement is required, only a willingness to explore your experience of movement in the body you are living in.

For more information, read the retreat information sheet

Booking Fee:

£100

Booking Availability:
Retreat Full

yoga, embodied movement and meditation

-
Retreat Type:
Introductory

These retreats combine introductory meditation teaching with a blend of traditional yoga and contemporary approaches to embodied movement. This playful synthesis of body based approaches to wellbeing (through meditation and movement) in the peaceful and beautiful environment of the retreat can help restore physical and mental vitality and balance in our lives. 

We will cover an introduction to two traditional Buddhist meditations as well as give a solid introduction to the principles of meditation. We will also be exploring some traditional Buddhist teachings to get a flavour of how these might be relevant to our modern lives. 

No previous experience of meditation, yoga or embodied movement is assumed so these retreats are suitable for complete beginners, but they are also a good refresher for those who already have some experience.

For more information read the retreat information sheet

Booking Fee:

£100

Booking Availability:
Spaces