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, 24 November 2017 to Friday, 1 December 2017 2017
What can a Buddhist perspective bring to the world today to help provide everyone with a sense of community, a worthwhile job, and a sense of fulfilment, whilst protecting the environment? Vaddhaka will lead an exploration of how money and the search for happiness impacts upon our lives, and how an alternative approach based on Buddhist values might be built.
For more information, read the retreat information sheet.
Friday, 18 August 2017 to Friday, 25 August 2017 2017
On this retreat we will encourage an appreciative sensitivity to our surroundings as we explore the local hills and glens together, often in silence. The richness of the natural environment feeding into a gentle deepening of our experience supported by meditation, reflection and simple Buddhist ritual.
For more information read the retreat information sheet.
Friday, 19 August 2016 to Friday, 26 August 2016 2016
On this retreat we will encourage an appreciative sensitivity to our surroundings as we explore the local hills and glens together, often in silence. The richness of the natural environment feeding into a gentle deepening of our experience supported by meditation, reflection and simple Buddhist ritual.
For more information, please read the retreat information sheet.
Friday, 13 May 2016 to Friday, 20 May 2016 2016
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. Guided walk options will be available to suit all levels of fitness.
For more information, please read the retreat information sheet.
Friday, 11 September 2015 to Friday, 18 September 2015 2015
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. Guided walk options will be available to suit all levels of fitness.
For more information, please read the retreat information sheet.
Friday, 10 July 2015 to Friday, 17 July 2015 2015
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. Guided walk options will be available to suit all levels of fitness.
For more information, please read the retreat information sheet.
Friday, 1 May 2015 to Friday, 8 May 2015 2015
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. Guided walk options will be available to suit all levels of fitness.
For more information, please take a look here
Friday, 3 April 2015 to Friday, 10 April 2015 2015
An exploration of anapanasati (mindfulness of breathing in sixteen stages), aiming to engage the whole of our human experience, through sutta study and group discussion, meditation and silence, bodywork and ritual. Moving through the stages of anapanasati takes us deeper into clear and still awareness, leaving us sensitive and open like a living mirror.
For more information, please take a look here
Friday, 19 September 2014 to Friday, 26 September 2014 2014
Nature is for many of us a vital source of spiritual nourishment in an increasingly busy world. On this retreat 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.
See also going deeper:hillwalking
For more information take a look here
Friday, 22 August 2014 to Friday, 29 August 2014 2014
An ideal first regulars retreat. Enjoy the simple practice of spending time walking in the rich and beautiful landscapes that surround Dhanakosa, while being gently introduced to more silence, meditation and a stronger Buddhist context through teachings and Buddhist ritual (including 7-fold Puja), then our introductory retreats.
Guided walk options will be available to suit all levels of fitness.
Open to anyone who has done an introductory retreat or has been attending a local centre and is looking to take their practice a bit deeper.