Padmasuri and Maitreyi share a love of the Six Element practice which has inspired and deepened their own spiritual lives and approach to Sadhana. They have each taught the practice on a number of ordination and other retreats and for the last three years have led Six Element and Sadhana retreats for Dharmacharinis at Akashavana.

This retreat will introduce different ways of approaching the practice, including some initial study of the Dhatu-Vibhanga sutta, in which the Buddha teaches the Six Element practice to his disciple Pukkusati. We will also be engaging with the mystery of the elements, which in the Tibetan tradition are referred to as the Maha Bhutas, ‘Great Ghosts’ or ‘Great Magical Transformations’, both in sitting practice and in the expansive environment of Dhanakosa. 

Each day we will be turning towards the experience of the elements in our bodies and in the universe, with the loosening of self clinging and an opening to something far more vast and mysterious out of which can emerge a deep sense of release, freedom and contentment. 

There will be periods of full silence on the retreat, time for personal reflection, puja and devotion, options for meditation reviews, and plenty of space for exploring and relaxing into the magical realm of the elements. 

This retreat is for Dharmacharini's within the Triratna Buddhist Order.