Introductory Retreats 2008 - (Updated 28/08/08)

Introductory Retreats are a great way to learn about meditation, Buddhism and comlementary activities in a friendly, relaxed environment. These retreats are open to all, suitable for both beginners and those with more experience.

August
Full - waiting list	29-5 Sep	Clowning & Insight
September
Full - waiting list	5-12	Shiatsu & Meditation
5 Spaces Available	12-19	Gay Men's Retreat
12 Spaces Available	19-26	Yoga & Meditation
Full - waiting list	26-3 Oct	Earth Rituals
October
11 Spaces Available	17-24	Introduction to Meditation & Buddhism
16 Spaces Available	24-31	Yoga & Meditation
13 Spaces Available	31-2 Nov	Yoga & Meditation
November
7 Spaces Available	21-28	Yoga & Meditation Intensive
Spaces Available	28-5 Dec	Dance & Meditation
December
Spaces Available	12-19	Yoga & Meditation
Spaces Available	19-21	Returning to the Source

*It may be possible to book for the weekend only of any retreats marked with an asterisk. Please contact Dhanakosa for details

Yoga & Meditation

Apr
4-11

Jun 20-27

Jul
18-25

Aug 22-29

Sept
19-26

Oct
24-31

Oct 31-
Nov 2

Nov 7-9

Dec
12-19

In these retreats the yoga bodywork will be presented as an integral part of meditation practice, both mutually supporting and augmenting one another. The classes will be taught from fundamental working principles and can be enjoyed by people with any level of experience.

Yoga & Meditation Intensive Retreat
November 21 - 28

Led by Sudaka and Padmadarshini

This is a retreat for those with a regular yoga practice who have attended an introductory yoga retreat. We will explore the context of yoga and meditation as an integrated spiritual practice. There will be periods of collective silence to support going deeper.

Introduction to Meditation & Buddhism Retreats

Mar 28-
Apr 4*

Jul
4-11

Oct
17-24

Retreats are an ideal situation in which to take a fresh look at yourself and your life. You can learn to meditate or take your meditation further with the help of experienced teachers. This can help you develop clarity, confidence, energy and positive emotion. As well as giving you an introduction to meditation these retreats aim to give you a grounding in the basic principles of Buddhism. All in all these retreats provide an excellent introduction to both meditation and Buddhism.

Hillwalking & Meditation Retreats

Apr 25-
May 2

Jun
13-20

Jul
11-18

Aug
15-22

Discover the majesty of the surrounding mountains or enjoy the quiet beauty of the glens and forest walks around Dhanakosa. A programme of meditation will give focus to the retreat and help us to become more appreciative of our experience.

Tai Chi & Meditation
August 1 - 8

Led by Nagamudra and another certified trainer from the Taiji School of Central Equilibrium

Tai chi practice is very beneficial for promoting relaxation, inner and outer balance and stimulating the body's own healing energies. This popular retreat (now in its 11th year) will include tai chi instruction, Buddhist meditation, some ritual and silence as well as free time to explore the beautiful surroundings.

Open Day
Sat May 10, 11am - 4pm

Visit for the Day, have a guided tour of the retreat centre and enjoy the beauty of our gardens and grounds. Refreshments will be available throughout the day. There will be a chance to try out meditation or have a chat about our activities. A great day out for families and children.

Clowning & Insight
August 29 – September 5

Led by Jayacitta & Tejananda

Opening to awareness is the simplest of meditation practices, letting go into our direct experience, whatever it is - open to the sky-like nature of mind itself. Entering the world of the clown we open ourselves to ourselves including contradictions and imperfections. The clown trips and spills through life seeing an open door at every flop. He/she lives in a state of perpetual wonder at the world and nurtures an openness to the infinite possibilities of life. This retreat will include meditation instruction, devotional practices, bodywork, costumes and wearing red noses! The retreat will be led by Jayacitta and Tejananda. Jayachitta trained in physical theatre at Kiklos Scuola, an international school (based on Jaqcues Lecoqs teaching in theatre creation) in Italy. She has been a Buddhist since 1981 and has a deep love of theatre and performance.

Shiatsu & Meditation
September 5 - 12

Within a framework of the Five Element model of Traditional Chinese Medicine and daily Qigong practice, Diana Barnard will teach basic Shiatsu techniques that will enable us to safely give and receive healing touch. In the course of the retreat we will experience the different energies and qualities of these elements.

Bodywork and energy work can deepen and transform our meditation practice as we relax and let go to the truth of the body.

Gay Mens' Retreat - An introduction to meditation and Buddhism for gay men
September 12 - 19

Led by Mangala

Buddhism teaches that all beings, regardless of their race, gender or sexual orientation, have the same spiritual potential; that all can develop greater awareness, kindness, compassion, understanding. On this retreat we will explore the Buddhist path of ethics, meditation and wisdom, by way of talks, discussion groups, meditation and other practices. No previous experience is necessary. The retreat will be led once again by Mangala, who has been doing these events for many years. He will be supported by a team of experienced order members.

Earth Rituals
Sept 26 – Oct 3

Led by Larry Butler, Ratnadevi & Siddhisambhava

This retreat offers a nourishing combination of yoga, chi kung and meditation to re-centre ourselves and enjoy a felt sense of connectedness with all the elements (earth, water, fire, air and space) and with each other. The retreat may well give rise to the inspiration for personal and/or global change and there will be opportunities to design our own, creative rituals to support these changes. Getting out of the rut of old behaviour patterns can be hard; the power and fascination of ritual helps to establish new habits in our lives that are conducive to making our dreams come true.

Dance and Meditation
Nov 28 – Dec 5

Dance Improvisation is a beautiful form with which to contact our inner witness. The senses open and a natural being comes alive with three dimensionality of movement. We can embody our experience, finding new creative ways to express it through the body-mind.

When dance and meditation are consciously practiced alongside one another, a meeting place of support between them exists. Our ability to be present, still, dynamic, spontaneous, joyful and playful grows. Dance becomes a practice of awareness and sharing, a meditation in motion.

Returning to the Source
Dec 19 – 21

Led by Vajrahridaya & Dhiraka

The mind's pristine clarity and the heart's beauty dwell within us all the time!
Re-connecting with it's source of creativity is the basic approach of this weekend's meditation retreat. Vajrahridaya will share his new mindfulness meditation techniques and Dhiraka will bring in the imagination and metta. The retreat will also involve periods of writing, reflection, walking/sitting meditation and silence.

Dance and Meditation Nov 28 – Dec 5

Dance and Meditation
Nov 28 – Dec 5