These retreats are suitable for those who have already learnt meditation within the context of the Triratna Buddhist Community and will include Buddhist ritual (Puja).
2011
Ordinary Beauty - Wabi Sabi Week
With VajradarshiniOctober 21-28 (Half term week) | £310/270
“Awareness is revolutionary” - Sangharakshita
A meditation and reflection retreat based around the tradition of ‘Wabi Sabi’. This is an aesthetic, or way of looking at the world, which finds beauty and truth in our simple, ordinary experience. Buddhism also teaches us that if we look with fresh eyes the world can show us profound truths in every moment. What we once habitually thought of as ordinary and mundane can become filled with beauty, magic and mystery. With teachings on Wabi Sabi, the Dharma and meditation. Bought to life through poetry, film and taking the time to really see. More details: www.vajradarshini.com
Exploring Myth - The Arthurian Legends
With Atula and MandaravaNovember 25- December 2 | £310/280
“Myths are public dreams, dreams are private myths” - Joseph Campbell
Myths and dreams provide us with maps of the soul. On this retreat we will explore the relevance of ancient myths surrounding King Arthur to our modern lives. This will be a journey through imagery, symbol and dream. Atula is an experienced therapist and retreat leader who has a gift for using myth and symbol to take us in to the depths of our being. Mandarava is an artist and puppet maker who will use puppets and images to ritually bring these stories to life. Includes; discussion, meditation and ritual. For more details of Mandarava's work: www.bluebirdpuppets.com
2012
Making friends with the Imagination
A ‘Wolf at the Door’ Creative Writing Retreat
with Ananda & Satyalila
February 10-17 (Half term week) | £325/295
Writing is a gateway to the hidden life of reality. On this retreat we will explore our experience through integrating creative writing and Buddhist practice. You will have the opportunity to enter the realm of imagination through meditation, group writing exercises, stimulating discussion and supportive feedback. A safe and encouraging environment to enhance both our experience of being alive and our communication with others. Open to all levels of writing experience from absolute beginners to published poets!. The retreat also includes meditation sessions and Buddhist ritual. More details: www.wolfatthedoor.org
Ordinary Beauty - Wabi Sabi Week
With VajradarshiniApril 13-20 | £325/295
“Awareness is revolutionary” - Sangharakshita
A meditation and reflection retreat based around the tradition of ‘Wabi Sabi’. This is an aesthetic, or way of looking at the world, which finds beauty and truth in our simple, ordinary experience. Buddhism also teaches us that if we look with fresh eyes the world can show us profound truths in every moment. What we once habitually thought of as ordinary and mundane can become filled with beauty, magic and mystery. With teachings on Wabi Sabi, the Dharma and meditation. Bought to life through poetry, film and taking the time to really see. More details: www.vajradarshini.com
Opening Windows - Creativity & Buddhist Practice
with Bob Ellis, Vandika & teamAugust 10-17 | £380/350 (includes cost of all materials)
This unique retreat turns Rivendell into a large studio. Within a context of Buddhist practice you are invited to explore your natural human capacity to create images and objects in an atmosphere of openhearted playfulness, kindly awareness and harmonious community. A wide range of art materials are made available, as is yoga to help us engage creatively with the human body. Whether you have years of artistic experience or consider yourself a complete beginner, all that matters is the desire to explore your creative process within a Buddhist context in a spirit of openness and experimentation. With meditation and Buddhist ritual.
Exploring Myth - The Arthurian Legends
With Atula and MandaravaNovember 23-30 | £325/295
“Myths are public dreams, dreams are private myths” - Joseph Campbell
Myths and dreams provide us with maps of the ‘soul’. On this retreat we will explore the relevance of ancient myths surrounding King Arthur to our modern lives. This will be a journey through imagery, symbol and dream. Atula is an experienced therapist and retreat leader who has a gift for using myth and symbol to take us in to the depths of our being. Mandarava is an artist and puppet maker who will use puppets and images to ritually bring these stories to life. Includes; discussion, meditation and ritual. For more details of Mandarava's work: www.bluebirdpuppets.com
