Amoghavira first encountered Buddhism in 1979 while struggling through a mathematics degree at Glasgow University. Ordained into the Western Buddhist Order in 1982 he then started working at the Glasgow Buddhist Centre.
He worked for 2 years at the Sydney Buddhist Centre in Australia from 1988, and on his way back to Britain in 1990, spent 3 months in Kathmandu helping run meditation and Buddhism course there. Falling in love with Nepal, he’s been a regular visitor there ever since.
In 1996, he moved to Dhanakosa to help with retreat leading here, which he’s been doing ever since. He loves being in the mountains and this has led to a passion for landscape photography and he now lives in the village of Callander, about 15 miles from Dhanakosa.
A retreat exploring photography which will ground you in the technical skills required to improve your photography within the wider context of learning meditation. No experience of photography is necessary.
For more information read the retreat information sheet.
These retreats provide an excellent short introduction to both meditation and Buddhism. They will introduce you to two simple traditional meditation practices and give you grounding in the basic principles of Buddhism. They are an ideal situation in which to take a fresh look at yourself and your life.
For more information read the retreat information sheet.
A precious opportunity to deepen our Dharma practice by exploring the wisdom of our bodies. We will integrate meditation, ritual, dharma discussion and yoga. Yoga suitable for beginners and those with more experience.
For more information read the retreat information sheet.
On this retreat we will combine meditation practice, study and ritual to enter the world of Padmasambhava, bringing ourselves alive as practitioners in every moment. We will together be learning to see all phenomena as ephemeral within the great drama of the unfolding of existence. And, with our heart connection strengthened, move towards liberation through no clinging.
For more information read the retreat information sheet.
This retreat is about crafting a small number of images from a deep place of resonance between ourselves and our subject, supported by meditation and silence. We will focus on the importance of going beyond just looking, to really seeing with our whole heart, mind and body. We will absorb and come into relationship with the beautiful landscape of the glen before we try to capture it photographically whether in big views or in more intimate details.
Throughout our lives we long to love ourselves more deeply and find a greater sense of intimacy with others and the world we live in. But our fear of connection means we often feel cut off from others thus creating suffering for ourselves. On this retreat we will explore the ancient Buddhist meditation of Loving Kindness practice and how it can help awaken our heart to its true potential.
For more information read the retreat information sheet.
Nature is for many of us an important source of spiritual nourishment in an increasingly busy world. On these retreats we will combine traditional Buddhist teachings with the simple practice of spending time walking in the rich and beautiful landscapes that surround Dhanakosa. Guided walk options will be available to suit all levels of fitness.
These retreats are open to all. They are suitable for both beginners and those with more experience but no previous experience is assumed. All these retreats include introductory meditation teaching and periods of silence.
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.
Cultivating a deeper appreciation of the beautiful natural world around Dhanakosa through focusing on our often unexplored world of sense experience with outdoor meditative exercises, Buddhist and nature rituals along with grounding in body awareness through daily Qi Gong practice.
Qi Gong helps to generate energy and vitality, promoting self healing and inner harmony allowing us to become more aware. Meditation and Qi Gong complement each other beautifully. By combining the two practices, this retreat offers us the chance to deepen our connection with ourselves and others in the natural beauty and healing environment that is Dhanakosa.
For more information read the retreat information sheet.
A retreat exploring photography which will ground you in the technical skills required to improve your photography within the wider context of learning meditation. No experience of photography is necessary.
For more information read the retreat information sheet.
