Amoghavira

Amoghavira first encountered Buddhism in 1979 while struggling through a mathematics degree at Glasgow University. Ordained into the Western Buddhist Order in 1982 he then started working at the Glasgow Buddhist Centre. 

He worked for 2 years at the Sydney Buddhist Centre in Australia from 1988, and on his way back to Britain in 1990, spent 3 months in Kathmandu helping run meditation and Buddhism course there. Falling in love with Nepal, he’s been a regular visitor there ever since.

In 1996, he moved to Dhanakosa to help with retreat leading here, which he’s been doing ever since. He loves being in the mountains and this has led to a passion for landscape photography and he now lives in the village of Callander, about 15 miles from Dhanakosa.

awareness to wisdom

Friday, 28 February 2020 to Friday, 6 March 2020 2020

What is the relationship between mindfulness and wisdom?  How can a simple practice of on-going awareness help us know the nature of reality? Using the Buddha's words from the Satipatthana Sutta we will cultivate awareness that is receptive and reflexive. With continuity of practice the quality of our mind is transformed and a deeper understanding of the way things are is naturally revealed.

For more information read the retreat information sheet.

 

Booking Fee: 
£75.00

The Fire of Awakening

Friday, 11 January 2019 to Friday, 18 January 2019 2019

The 3 lakshanas (Impermanence, Unsatisfactoriness and Insubstantiality) are a fundamental expression of the Buddha’s vision of Reality. In this teaching, the Buddha is pointing to the transformative effect of acknowledging, allowing, and opening to the ways in which we experience these 3 aspects of our lives and gives us practical advice on how to stay firmly on the path of practice and awakening.

Booking Fee: 
£75.00

Hillwalking and Meditation

Friday, 7 September 2018 to Friday, 14 September 2018 2018

Nature is for many of us an important source of spiritual nourishment in an increasingly busy world.  On these retreats we will combine traditional Buddhist teachings with the simple practice of spending time walking in the rich and beautiful landscapes that surround Dhanakosa.  Guided walk options will be available to suit all levels of fitness.

These retreats are open to all.  They are suitable for both beginners and those with more experience but no previous experience is assumed.  All these retreats include introductory meditation teaching and periods of silence.

Booking Fee: 
£75.00

The fire of awakening

Friday, 12 January 2018 to Friday, 19 January 2018 2018

The 3 lakshanas (Impermanence, Unsatisfactoriness and Insubstantiality) are a fundamental expression of the Buddha’s vision of Reality. In this teaching, the Buddha is pointing to the transformative effect of acknowledging, allowing, and opening to the ways in which we experience these 3 aspects of our lives and gives us practical advice on how to stay firmly on the path of practice and awakening.

Booking Fee: 
£75.00

hillwalking and meditation

Friday, 9 June 2017 to Friday, 16 June 2017 2017

Nature is for many of us an important source of spiritual nourishment in an increasingly busy world.  On these retreats we will combine traditional Buddhist teachings with the simple practice of spending time walking in the rich and beautiful landscapes that surround Dhanakosa.  Guided walk options will be available to suit all levels of fitness.

For more information read the retreat information sheet.

Booking Fee: 
£75.00

qi gong and meditation

Friday, 12 May 2017 to Friday, 19 May 2017 2017

Qi Gong helps to generate energy and vitality, and promotes self healing and inner harmony allowing us to become more fully conscious and aware. Meditation and Qi Gong complement each other beautifully.  By combining the two practices, this retreat offers us the chance to deepen our connection with ourselves and others in the natural beauty and healing environment that is Dhanakosa.

For more information, read the retreat information sheet.

Booking Fee: 
£75.00

Introductory weekend

Friday, 29 November 2024 to Sunday, 1 December 2024 2024

These retreats are an excellent short introduction to Buddhism and Meditation. We will cover an introduction to two traditional Buddhist meditations: the mindfulness of breathing and the development of loving kindness (Metta Bhavana). We will also introduce some key elements of the Buddhist tradition. As well as giving a grounding in the basic principles of Buddhism and meditation, these retreats are an ideal reflective situation in which to take a fresh look at ourselves.

Booking Fee: 
£75.00

padmasambhava and the vajra of awakening

Friday, 22 November 2024 to Friday, 29 November 2024 2024

The retreat will draw on the inspiration of Padmasambhava, Tantric Guru, who was invited to Tibet to transform the deeper, more unruly forces of the mind. Padmasambhava is seen to be both a historical and mythic figure within Buddhism. He was a renowned Yogi, Dharma Teacher, Shaman, and Healer.

We will bring Padmasambhava to life through talks and Buddhist devotional practice through meditation, silence, and ritual we will explore both the energetic and receptive elements of his teaching.

Booking Fee: 
£100.00