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Abhayaruci

Abhayaruci has been coming to Dhanakosa regularly since 2010 when she attended a yoga and meditation retreat and was hooked. She is a qualified hatha flow yoga teacher, massage therapist and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner™. When not on the yoga mat she can often be found having adventures on her bike, in her kayak or out on the hills! She finds that being outdoors in remote and wild places helps her keep in connection with herself and others and is a fundamental aspect of her spiritual practice. Abhayaruci was ordained into the Triratna Buddhist Order in 2025 and her name means 'she who is the light of fearlessness'. 

introductory weekend

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Retreat Type:
Introductory

Give yourself the gift of stepping back from everyday life and finding fresh perspective, in the wild and beautiful landscape of Balquhidder Glen.

We will introduce two traditional Buddhist meditations: the mindfulness of breathing and the development of loving kindness (metta bhavana). We will also share 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 your life. 

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

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 - awake in the wild

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Retreat Type:
Going Deeper

Immerse yourself in nature this spring - stepping back from the pressures of everyday life and giving yourself time and space in the wild and beautiful landscapes surrounding Dhanakosa. 

Discover how time in nature can support a deepening of meditation and Buddhist practice - encouraging a sense of aliveness in a living world and reflecting core teachings of impermanence and inter-connection. 

In this retreat we take our meditation practice outdoors - awakening our senses to the different elements of the surrounding landscape and cultivating a deeper sense of connection with ourselves, others and with the natural world. We will explore how our relationship with nature, landscape, and the elements can support a more embodied and easeful approach to life. 

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. For more information, read the retreat information sheet

Booking Fee:

£100

Booking Availability:
Spaces

Introductory Long Weekend - 3 nights

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Retreat Type:
Introductory

A new 3 night version of our popular weekend introductions to meditation and Buddhism. Give yourself the gift of stepping back from everyday life for a few days and finding fresh perspective, in the wild and beautiful landscape of Balquhidder Glen.

We will introduce two traditional Buddhist meditations: the mindfulness of breathing and the development of loving kindness (metta bhavana). We will also share 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 your life. 

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

Booking Availability:
Spaces

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:
Retreat Nearly Full

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

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 to swim in the local lochs and rivers as well as other explorations of water and wet places. We will also be using dance and movement 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 explore local burns and waterfalls.

For more information read the retreat information sheet.

Booking Fee:

£100

Booking Availability:
Retreat Full