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Introductory Retreats 2010/2011 - (Updated 07/09/10)

Introductory Retreats are a great way to learn about meditation, Buddhism and complementary activities in a friendly, relaxed environment. These retreats are open to all, suitable for both beginners and those with more experience.
September 2010
Full 10 - 17 Yoga & Meditation with Dhiramati & Manjunaga
Full 24 - 01 Oct Hillwalking & Meditation
October 2010
Full 01 - 08 Photography & Meditation
6 Spaces Available 08 - 15 Tai Chi, Poetry & Meditation
Spaces Available 15 - 22 Introduction to Meditation & Buddhism
Spaces Available 22 - 29 Yoga & Meditation with Claire Stephen & Jocasta Crofts
November 2010
9 Spaces Available 05 - 12 Painting & Meditation
5 Spaces Available 12 - 14 Yoga & Meditation weekend with Claire Stephen
Spaces Available 26 - 03 Dec Yoga & Meditation with Sudaka, Sadhita & Balajit
December 2010
Spaces Available 17 - 19 Introduction to Meditation & Buddhism weekend
January 2011
Spaces Available 07 - 09 Yoga & Meditation weekend
Spaces Available 14 - 21 Focusing & Meditation
February 2011
Spaces Available 18 - 25 Yoga & Meditation
March 2011
Spaces Available 04 - 06 Introduction to Meditation & Buddhism weekend
Spaces Available 25 - 01 Apr Yoga & Meditation
April 2011
Spaces Available 01 - 08 Photography & Meditation
Spaces Available 08 - 15 Introduction to Meditation & Buddhism
Spaces Available 15 - 22 Improvisation & Meditation with Jayachitta
Spaces Available 29 - 06 May Yoga & Meditation
May 2011
Spaces Available 06 - 13 Hillwalking & Meditation
Spaces Available 13 - 20 Shiatsu & Meditation
Spaces Available 20 - 27 Tai Chi & Meditation
Spaces Available 27 - 03 Jun Painting & Meditation
June 2011
Spaces Available 03 - 10 Yoga & Meditation
Spaces Available 17 - 24 Hillwalking & Meditation
Spaces Available 24 - 01 Jul Gay Men's retreat
July 2011
Spaces Available 08 - 15 Yoga & Meditation
Spaces Available 15 - 22 Hillwalking & Meditation
Spaces Available 22 - 29 The Call of Beauty with Mahasukha
Spaces Available 29 - 05 Aug Tai Chi & Meditation
August 2011
Spaces Available 05 - 12 Yoga & Meditation
Spaces Available 12 - 19 Hillwalking & Meditation
September 2011
Spaces Available 02 - 09 Buddhism & the Psychic World
Spaces Available 09 - 16 Yoga & Meditation
Spaces Available 16 - 23 Nonviolent Communication™
Spaces Available 23 - 30 Hillwalking & Meditation
October 2011
Spaces Available 07 - 14 Photography & Meditation
Spaces Available 21 - 28 Tai Chi, Poetry & Meditation
Spaces Available 28 - 04 Nov Yoga & Meditation
November 2011
  5 Open Day
December 2011
Spaces Available 16 - 18 Introduction to Meditation & Buddhism weekend


Yoga & Meditation
*See table above for current retreat dates and availability

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.

Introduction to Meditation & Buddhism Retreats
*See table above for current retreat dates and availability

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
*See table above for current retreat dates and availability

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.


Wisdom of the Body (Focusing & Meditation)

14 - 21 January 2011

Led by Manjudeva "the body, in its infinite wisdom, knows its own way back to wholeness”

Focusing is a gentle yet powerful practice of listening to the wisdom and intelligence held within our bodies. It's a helpful tool for integration and personal healing that helps us to connect with what is most meaningful and alive in our lives. Combining this with meditation and ritual we will explore the body, not just as a foundation for practice but as a source of inspiration and teaching. Suitable for newcomers to both focusing and meditation.

Painting & Meditation

05 - 12 November 2010

27 May - 03 June 2011

Led by Christine Ironside "Contemplating the Universe"

The focus of this retreat will be the quiet contemplation of the landscape through meditation and painting. This retreat will suit those wishing to deepen their experience of meditation and reflection. On this retreat you will be lead through the production of a series of small drawings and paintings based in landscape. The retreat will include time to walk and relax, a wee bit of music, some lovely images and inspiration.


The Call of Beauty

22 - 29 July 2011

Led by Mahasukha

Calling lovers of beauty: join us in a joyful, tribal and meditative week imbued with a spirit of devotion celebrating beauty, creativity and the imagination through an uplifting and nourishing menu of soulful singing, African drumming, dancing, meditation, mantra, ritual, poetry and community - set in a beautiful landscape. Bring body and soul, voice, songs, instruments and drums.

"Let the beauty we love be what we do" - Rumi


Buddhism & the Psychic World

03 - 10 September 2010

02 - 09 September 2011

Led by Bodhiccha

Exploring our own experience of the paranormal in the context of both modern research and ancient Buddhist texts, primarily the Kevatta Sutta. Topics will include work with auras, chakras and energy fields, telepathy and precognition, exploring past lives and responding appropriately to spirits and beings from other realms.  The retreat will have an emphasis throughout on clarity of mind and working safely within our own limits from a strong foundation of Buddhist meditation, understanding and ethical practice.Bodhiccha will also be leading a 1 day workshop on this topic at Glasgow Buddhist Centre on 06 March.


16 - 23 September

Led by Vajrasara

Want to speak out without offending? Deepen the art of listening? Tackle difficult conversations with confidence? Nonviolent Communication™ (NVC) offers skills to open our hearts and be more alive to our values. As well as introducing NVC there will be meditation teaching, simple ritual, some silence and free time.

Led by Vajrasara, a certified NVC trainer and experienced retreat leader.


Tai Chi & Meditation

20 - 27 May 2011 Led by Dharmamudra and Nagamudra

29 July - 05 August 2011 Led by Nagamudra & Sthirananda



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 12th 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 05 November 2011, 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.

Shiatsu & Meditation

13 - 20 May 2011 *(limited spaces)

Led by Diane Barnard

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

24 June - 01 July 2011

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.

Clowning & Insight

27 August - 03 September 2010

Led by Jayachitta

Just sitting is one of the simplest and most direct forms of meditation; we relax into the natural spaciousness of mind, welcoming who we are right now. The clown, too, opens to the way things are, free from judgement and expectations. She/he nurtures a sense of wonder at the world, including ourselves with all our contradictions and imperfections. Jayachitta will lead this retreat with meditation instructions, devotion, bodywork, costumes and red noses!


Improvisation & Meditation

15 - 22 April 2011

Led by Jayachitta

Fundamental to meditation and movement improvisation are the qualities of presence and openness. This way of improvising makes use of physical and vocal exercises and encourages listening to ourselves and each other. By stepping into the space without plan, connected with what is occurring right now and guided by where our interest lies at this moment, improvisation supports meditation in helping us to be present to the ever-moving mind, as thoughts and feelings come and go, without holding on.


 

Tai Chi, Poetry & Meditation

08 - 15 October 2010

21 - 28 October 2011

Led by Larry Butler & Vajragupta

"Embrace Tiger Return to Mountain " A retreat expanding our horizons through language (voice & body). Each move in tai chi is a metaphor. The structured forms provide an inspiring backdrop for the creation of rhythmic patterns with words. Tai chi & poetry have much in common: form, structure, sensitivity and a striving towards essence. Inspired by the moon Vajragupta will guide our daily meditations. Body awareness will be developed by Larry Butler through movement sessions based on Tai Chi & Chi Kung, and creative writing. Conscious movement can fuel creative expression in surprising ways.


Yoga & Meditation Intensive Retreat

19 - 26 November 2010

09 - 16 December 2011

Led by Padmadarshini & Christine Howitt

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.


Photography & Meditation


01 - 08 October 2010*(limited spaces)

01 - 08 April 2011

07 - 14 October 2011

Led by Amoghavira, Hannah Phillips & Steve Knight

A retreat that will explore the relationship between meditation and photography. By introducing the basics of photography, meditation and experiential practices from Zen Buddhism we can go deeper into each discipline to see how they can support and complement one another. No experience of photography is necessary but participants are required to bring an SLR camera (digital or film) with them.


 
 
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DHANAKOSA Buddhist Retreat Centre, Balquhidder, Lochearnhead, FK19 8PQ, Scotland. TeL: 01877 384 213. info@dhanakosa.com
The Dhanakosa Trust
Scottish Charity
No. SCO32776
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