All these retreats are suitable for those who have already learnt meditation and are familiar with Buddhist devotional practice and ritual, (Puja) within the context of the Triratna Buddhist Community.
You will need to have attended either an Introductory course, meditation/study classes or other retreat centres within the Triratna Buddhist Community and have a regular meditation practice.
2011
Meditation Long Weekend
With ParamanandaSeptember 22-25 | £190/160
A long weekend of concentrated practice with this experienced teacher. Intended to deepen our practice of sitting and walking meditation in the context of mindfulness and loving kindness. With meditation, chanting, devotional practice, poetry and silence. You will need to have been regularly mediating for at least one year to attend this retreat. Also to be comfortable with extended periods of meditation and with spending most of the weekend in silence.
Please note: this retreat runs from Thursday pm to Sunday pm
Mid-winter Meditation Weekend
With Vimalacitta & SraddhagitaDecember 16-18 | £130/110
A reflective weekend of meditation practice at the heart of mid-winter. A time to turn inward and nurture our practice before the festive season, resting in what we truly value and that which sustains us on the deepest level. With meditation, ritual and periods of silence.
2012
Meaning in Life
With SarvanandaMarch 30 - April 1 | £145/125
How can we bring more sense of significance into our lives? What meaning does life have in the face of suffering or death? Do we have a “why” to live for? On this weekend Sarvananda, the author of the popular book, “Meaning in Life”, will be exploring these questions from a Buddhist perspective through workshops, discussion, references to the Arts and meditation.
Sarvananda was ordained in 1987 and currently works for the Norwich Buddhist Centre. He is also a writer and has had several radio plays and comedy series broadcast on BBC Radio. He is particularly interested in meditation and forging links between the Dharma and Western culture.
Easter Meditation Long Weekend (4 nights)
With Nagabodhi & VimalachittaApril 5-9 (Long Easter bank holiday weekend) | £225/200
Spring is a time of new beginnings, rejuvenation, and abundance. The earth around us awakens from the sleep of winter, reminding us of the possibility of new life. Meditation awakens us to the beauty, energy and life that is both in us and surrounds us in the world. If we calm our minds and pay gentle attention we can experience the full sensations and surprises of being alive. Here is a chance to spend some time meditating in supportive good company with two highly experienced Dharma teachers. With meditation, discussion, ritual and periods of silence.
Please note: this retreat runs from Thursday pm to Monday pm
Meditation Long Weekend (3 Nights)
With ParamanandaMay 25-28 | £225/200
A long weekend of concentrated practice with this experienced teacher, intended to deepen our practice of sitting and walking meditation in the context of mindfulness and loving kindness. With meditation, chanting, devotional practice, poetry and silence. You will need to have been regularly mediating for at least one year to attend this retreat and also to be comfortable with extended periods of meditation and with spending most of the weekend in silence.
Please note: this retreat runs from Friday pm to Monday pm
Siddhartha to Buddha - The Spiritual Journeyman - Long Weekend (4 Nights)
With Atula & VimalachittaJune 1-5 (Special long June bank holiday weekend) | £225/200
The legend of The Buddha’s life is a compelling and captivating story - but how does an ancient Indian mythical tale relate to a life lived in the 21st Century? This retreat will explore and uncover our own resonances with the Buddha’s story, tracking the themes of a journey of disillusionment, exploration and awakening. With meditation, ritual, myth and reflection, to uncover the truths of a story that transcends time and touches the deeper currents of our lives.
Please note: this retreat runs from Friday pm to Tuesday pm
White Tara Weekend
With Vipulakirti & AmaladeviJune 8-10 | £145/125
A weekend of meditation, reflection and devotion to the Bodhisattva White Tara. She is the embodiment of compassionate wisdom and is traditionally represented in a gesture of open handed giving to all beings. By evoking her image and reflecting on her qualities we will explore how to manifest wisdom and compassion in our own lives. With meditation, discussion, ritual and periods of silence.
(This retreat is followed by a White Tara sadhana retreat for Order members)
“Feeding Your Demons”
With Sudakini & VajralilaJuly 20-22 | £168/150
This retreat is for people who want to work deeply with their own “demons”. By “demons” we mean an imaginative image of our own negative emotions, fears, and self defeating patterns. In order for integration and transformation to take place in our lives we must get to know our demons in what ever form they take. Rather than fight our demons, we can instead extend our compassion to them and give them what they, and subsequently ourselves, truly need. When what were once enemies become allies, energy is released allowing us to live more fully. With workshops, guided meditation, discussion and ritual. For more details of “Feeding Your Demons” visit: www.feedingyourdemons.co.uk
Mindfulness Weekend
With Vajrashraddha & TaramaniAugust 31-September 2 | £145/125
Mindfulness is increasingly recognised in the wider world for its many benefits. This core Buddhist practice brings us more alive to the full range of our experience and reconnects us with ourselves, and to the world around us. This deceptively simple practice can awaken us to hidden aspects of ourselves and others, attuning us to a deeper reality in our everyday lives. Allow yourself to become immersed in the practice of mindfulness over the weekend and experience life more fully, taking you into greater clarity and energy for the weeks beyond the retreat.
Mid-winter Meditation Weekend
With VimalachittaDecember 14-16 | £145/125
A reflective weekend of meditation practice at the heart of mid-winter. A time to turn inward and nurture our practice before the festive season, resting in what we truly value and that which sustains us on the deepest level. With meditation, ritual and periods of silence.
Practice Evenings
Rivendell also holds monthly Wednesday night practice evenings. An opportunity to come together and practice meditation and Puja together. Suitable for all those who have already learnt meditation within the context of the Triratna Buddhist Community.
