Sraddhadharani

Smritiratna writes: "We live, it seems, in increasingly troubled times. Yet if we fall prey to fear, hatred, blame and conflict, things only get worse. Somehow we need the resources to find our feet, rise up and meet the challenges we face with courage and confidence, with strength and dignity, with creativity and compassion, with wisdom and the harmonising speech that builds concord and co-operation.

The retreat will draw on the inspiration of Padmasambhava, Tantric Guru, who was invited to Tibet to transform the deeper, more unruly forces of the mind. Padmasambhava is seen to be both a historical and mythic figure within Buddhism. He was a renowned Yogi, Dharma Teacher, Shaman, and Healer.

We will bring Padmasambhava to life through talks and Buddhist devotional practice through meditation, silence, and ritual we will explore both the energetic and receptive elements of his teaching.

In Buddhism, the four love meditations are known as the brahma vihāras or ‘sublime abidings’. These meditations cultivate kindness (mettā bhāvanā), compassion (karunā bhāvanā), appreciative joy (muditā bhāvanā) and serenity (upekkhā bhāvanā). In a way they are a meditative preparation for real life - our encounters with real human beings in the midst of their joys and sorrows.

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.

For 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.

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.

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.

Buddhism is not about beliefs, it’s about the way we live our lives.  On this retreat we will explore traditional Buddhist teachings and meditation practices and see how they apply directly to our body, heart and mind.