Nayaka came to Dhanakosa in 1996 after learning to meditate with the Newcastle Buddhist Centre. Drawn by the mountains, he quickly felt at home here and became increasingly involved in the running of the centre. He became part of the management team in 1999, was ordained into the Western Buddhist Order in 2001 and became Centre Director in 2006. He has a background in earth and life sciences, a long standing interest in natural history and a love of the wilderness. He lives at Dhanakosa with Dharmavasini and their 2 children.
Friday, 19 July 2024 to Friday, 26 July 2024 2024
This retreat will take a playful approach to reconnecting with the body through the elemental experience of water and through movement. Each day we will have the opportunity to swim in the local lochs and rivers as well as other explorations of water and wet places. We will also be using movement to support embodiment and connection. There will also be introductory meditation teaching, daily collective meditation practice, and a practical contemporary look at some traditional Buddhist teachings.
Friday, 21 June 2024 to Friday, 28 June 2024 2024
Nature is for many of us, a vital 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.
Friday, 5 April 2024 to Friday, 12 April 2024 2024
Can we practice the Dharma in a way that deepens our sense of aliveness and connection with the living earth?
On this retreat we will go back to practices taught by the Buddha, whose teaching reflects the animistic culture of ancient India, such as meditating on the six elements and the six sense spheres, to overcome the modern separation of the ego from nature, and to rediscover the background hum of life in every moment of experience in our bodies and out in the world.
Friday, 18 August 2023 to Friday, 25 August 2023 2023
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 regularly attending their local Triratna centre and wants to take things deeper.
Friday, 15 December 2023 to Friday, 22 December 2023 2023
For men training for ordination into the Triratna Buddhist Order and Order Members.
Friday, 31 March 2023 to Friday, 7 April 2023 2023
Early Buddhism emerged from the animistic culture of iron-age India, shaking off the chains of superstition and belief in magic. But have we come too far from those sensitive resonant connections with nature into a disenchanted world? On this retreat we will engage with themes from the early Buddhist tradition, through study, reflection, meditation, and ritual, rediscovering our place in the unfolding interconnectedness of all life. And engage with the question of whether a more animistic approach to life may help us not only live more meaningfully, but help us build a better world.
Friday, 16 December 2022 to Friday, 23 December 2022 2022
For men training for ordination into the Triratna Buddhist Order.
Friday, 4 November 2022 to Friday, 11 November 2022 2022
Early Buddhism emerged from the animistic culture of iron-age India, shaking off the chains of superstition and belief in magic. But have we come too far from those sensitive resonant connections with nature into a disenchanted world? On this retreat we will engage with themes from the early Buddhist tradition, through study, reflection, meditation, and ritual, rediscovering our place in the unfolding interconnectedness of all life. And engage with the question of whether a more animistic approach to life may help us not only live more meaningfully, but help us build a better world.
Friday, 19 August 2022 to Friday, 26 August 2022 2022
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.
Friday, 5 May 2023 to Friday, 12 May 2023 2023
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 regularly attending their local Triratna centre and wants to take things deeper.