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.
Wednesday, 14 July 2021 2021
Wednesday 14th July 2021: 10.15 - 13.00 (GMT)
You're welcome to join Amoghavira online for the July half-day retreat - Entering the Heart Space. We'll spend the morning exploring different approaches to the practice of the metta bhavana through the practice of meditation, a short talk and small group reflections.
Friday, 3 December 2021 to Friday, 10 December 2021 2021
For men training for ordination into the Triratna Buddhist Order.
Covid-19 update: We will be running this retreat with a maximum of 21 people including the team. We have put together a Covid-19 pre-retreat information sheet with more detail about what to expect, please read this before booking and in advance of coming on retreat.
Friday, 28 July 2023 to Friday, 4 August 2023 2023
On this retreat we will explore how our connection with nature, landscape, and the elements can support a deepening of awareness and a more embodied and harmonious approach to life. We will weave together Buddhist teachings, meditation practice, mindful walking and an appreciative and playful investigation of the natural world around us to create an experience of depth and connection.
Friday, 1 September 2023 to Friday, 8 September 2023 2023
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.
Friday, 3 September 2021 to Friday, 10 September 2021 2021
Going Deeper retreats are an ideal first regulars retreat. They are suitable for anyone who has already done an introductory retreat or, who has been attending their local Triratna centre and wants to take things deeper. Going Deeper – with Hillwalking takes the established successful Hillwalking retreat format and by intensifying the practice enables us to connect more deeply with our experience both in the shrine room and in nature.
Friday, 14 May 2021 to Friday, 21 May 2021 2021
Cultivating a deeper appreciation of the beautiful natural world around Dhanakosa through focusing on our often unexplored world of sense experience with outdoor meditative exercises, Buddhist and nature rituals along with grounding in body awareness through daily Qi Gong practice.
For more information read the retreat information sheet.
Friday, 16 April 2021 to Friday, 23 April 2021 2021
This is an intensive meditation retreat with the emphasis on the natural awareness that we can learn to sustain in each moment, from waking to sleeping, and through the different activities of the day. We will be drawing on the Satipatthana Sutta, the Buddha's primary teaching on Mindfulness.. We are learning to watch our minds, and to learn what will support continuity of awareness.
Saturday, 3 April 2021 to Thursday, 8 April 2021 2021
A retreat exploring photography which will ground you in the technical skills required to improve your photography within the wider context of learning meditation. No experience of photography is necessary.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, this retreat will be running online. More information coming soon!
Friday, 26 February 2021 to Friday, 5 March 2021 2021
A precious opportunity to deepen our Dharma practice by exploring the wisdom of our bodies through the interweaving of meditation and yoga practice. Suitable for those new to yoga practice.
For more information read the retreat information sheet.
Friday, 6 January 2023 to Sunday, 8 January 2023 2023
These retreats provide an excellent short introduction to both meditation and Buddhism. They will introduce you to two simple traditional meditation practices and give you grounding in the basic principles of Buddhism. They are an ideal situation in which to take a fresh look at yourself and your life.
For more information read the retreat information sheet.