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. 

Seeing the dangers confronting humankind these days, we can feel depressed, demoralised and helpless to avert disaster - or even to talk about such feelings. This retreat provides a space to talk about and to explore an extraordinary sequence of reflections and communal practices that can rekindle an ‘active hope’ and vision for humanity. 

The retreat takes its title from a book called Active Hope co-authored by Joanna Macy and Chris Johnston. Having studied Buddhism, Joanna went on to develop this sequence of exercises and reflections to help us move from despair to hope. Such hope is far more than something vague and passive, it's creating a vision for humanity, a future which we can contribute to and actively help bring about.

The retreat will be focused around Joanna Macy's workshop exercises 'the spiral of the work that reconnects'. Each day will include meditation and movement to help us assimilate and process what is stirred by the workshops. There will also be periods of silence overnight. No prior experience will be assumed and all necessary tuition will be provided. 

For more information, including detail of the workshops and daily programme, see the retreat information sheet. You can also watch Smritiratna's short video about the retreat here. 

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. 

Join Amayaraja and Candradhi at Dhanakosa for a weekend of practice and connection with young Buddhists from across Scotland and beyond. During the retreat we will explore what it means to bring all of our energy onto the path, and how to navigate the seemingly tensions and polarities that face us, within and without, in our lives and the world. Peace and passion, engagement and withdrawal, self and world… 

Through stories, meditation, discussion, and ritual we’ll explore what it means to live a creative life of practice using mythic imagery from the life of the Buddha. 

The retreat is open to young people aged 35 and under with all levels of experience. 

For more information read the retreat information sheet. 

On this retreat we will be exploring some of the core principles of Buddhism and meditation. In particular, how the Buddha’s clarity on the human condition can bring more meaning, richness and purpose to our lives. The teaching will seek to keep things simple and direct, so practical and relevant to the challenges of modern life in the west.

Over the course of the retreat you will learn two main meditation practices – the mindfulness of breathing and the metta bhavana (loving kindness). These practices help us develop calm, positive and alert states of mind. You will also learn some practical tools, to help cope with states of anxiety, fear and stress.

Central to the Buddha’s teachings is the importance of developing body awareness. During the retreat, we will be practising ways of becoming more embodied, both on the meditation cushion and in our everyday lives.

Time on retreat gives an ideal space to experience ourselves differently and bring new fresh perspectives to our lives. With more awareness of our bodies, we can be more aware of our inner and outer experience. From this basis we will look at one or two famous teachings from the Buddhist tradition – and practice them - feeling what they are pointing towards in our own direct experience.

For more information read the retreat information sheet.