Buddhism offers a practical path away from suffering and towards liberation. But how does this actually work?  What do you actually do?  We follow this path by seeing more clearly the dynamics of the mind that lead to suffering, and those which lead to liberation.  And then learning to choose the latter.  Both through a blend of discriminating activity, and receptive openness.

On this retreat we will engage with the study of some basic Buddhist principles, examine how we can apply these principles to our own experience, and then turn that understanding into an effective practice we can carry forward into our day to day lives.

Rooted in basic Buddhism, and Sangharakshita’s presentation of the Dharma, we will take an integrated approach including study, meditation and ritual.  And look at how our lives as individual practitioners are enriched and deepened in the context of a community of practice and our connection with the wider world.

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 regularly attending their local Triratna centre and wants to take things deeper. We will continue to explore the Mindfulness of Breathing and Metta Bhavana, as well as a further introduction to Buddhist ritual.  Longer periods of silence together with quiet walks will all support a deep and rich experience both of ourselves and the world around us. For more information, read the retreat information sheet.

Are you new to Dhanakosa? Watch our short film to get a sense of the centre, landscape and what it's like being on retreat here. 

For men training for ordination into the Triratna Buddhist Order and Order Members.

This retreat takes Dhanakosa’s well established walking and nature awareness retreat format and adds an extra element: an exploration of animism.  We will not be doing this through a set of beliefs or views, but by encouraging what we will be calling an “animistic sensitivity” as a dimension of our awareness.  A rich sense of the aliveness of everything that surrounds us.  And, through this we will be exploring the positive qualities that this sensitivity can draw forth in our lives.

The retreat will include three days of guided walks, spread throughout the week. We will normally offer three walks on each of these days to suit a range of levels of fitness and experience. All walks are in the local area, some require a short drive to get to the starting point. For more information on the walks and the appropriate clothing and footwear to bring, please read the retreat information sheet. 

You can also watch our short video talking about the different types of walking retreat, guided walk options and what to bring with you. 

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 regularly attending their local Triratna centre and wants to take things deeper. We will continue to explore the Mindfulness of Breathing and Metta Bhavana, as well as a further introduction to Buddhist ritual.  Longer periods of silence together with quiet walks will all support a deep and rich experience both of ourselves and the world around us. 

Can we practice the Dharma in a way that deepens our sense of aliveness and connection with the living earth? 

On this retreat we will be exploring what it is to be human, and what it is to be animist. We will go back to practices taught by the Buddha, whose teaching reflects the animistic culture of ancient India, such as meditating on the six elements and the six sense spheres, to overcome the modern separation of the ego from nature, and to rediscover the background hum of life in every moment of experience in our bodies and out in the world. 

Dhanakosa is an excellent venue for this kind of retreat, with its combination of elemental grandeur and good conditions for meditation indoors and outside. 

This retreat is for people who already practice with the Triratna Buddhist Community and have a basic grasp of the mindfulness of breathing and the metta bhavana, and basic Buddhist principles, as taught in Triratna.

For more information, read the retreat information sheet.

Building a life based on compassion, connection and openness takes courage - and this is the life that the Buddha’s teaching can invite us into. It is through living this life that we find real freedom, ultimately, the freedom of awakening. 

This can be a difficult road to walk alone, so traditionally Buddhism calls upon the support of the Sangha:  the spiritual community - our friends along the way. On this retreat we will explore together how connection and community can support us stepping onto this road to a more heartful life and how the traditional teachings and practices of Buddhism can guide us.

The Triratna Buddhist Community offers a unique and contemporary approach to making the ancient teachings of Buddhism meaningful and effective as a means of transformation in the modern world. Let’s be the change we want to see. 

This retreat is suitable for newcomers to meditation as well as being an ideal refresher for those who already have some experience. For more information, read the retreat information sheet.

Are you new to Dhanakosa? Watch our short film to get a sense of the centre, landscape and what it's like being on retreat here. 

This retreat takes Dhanakosa’s well established walking and nature awareness retreat format into the winter season and honours the Celtic festival of Imbolc. This turning point of the year marks the beginning of spring and the first signs of the awakening of the coming year. 

Walking in the winter landscape, and discovering the first signs of spring, gives us an opportunity to reflect on new beginnings and emergent potential in ourselves as we enjoy what this sensitivity can draw forth in our lives. As well as guided walks, we’ll meditate and do ritual practice outdoors, inviting a rich sense of the aliveness of everything that surrounds us.

This retreat is part of our Going Deeper programme. These retreats 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.  Longer periods of silence together with quiet walks will all support a deep and rich experience both of ourselves and the world around us.

For more information, read the retreat information sheet. You can also watch our short video talking about the different types of walking retreat, guided walk options and what to bring with you.  

For men training for ordination into the Triratna Buddhist Order and Order Members.