The five skandhas are a description of human experience often evoked in both early and later Buddhism to point to the nature of reality through reflection. When tackled experientially this list, that at first glance seems rather dry and abstract, becomes rich and wondrous. And, has the power to lead us to deep transformation. On this retreat we will take a three levels of wisdom approach to the topic; using study to conceptually understand our topic just enough to support reflection, then diving into our direct experience we will familiarise ourselves sufficiently to support deeper meditation, enabling us to witness the unfolding of experience with a new sense of freedom.

The skandhas are of course a description of the whole of our experience so as well as a substantial amount of time in the shrine room we will be encouraging an integrated and holistic approach to practice, including periods of meditation and reflection outdoors where the sensuous experience of nature can gently lead us deeper. Optional movemement sessions will also support us to take our reflections more fully into our embodied experience.

For more information see the retreat information sheet. You could also check out a series of short youtube videos by Nayaka on each of the Skandas.