Meet the Community
The Dhanakosa community consists of 9 people living either on-site, or locally, plus Padme the cat and Ace the dog. We are a diverse crew of folks, who practice in the Triratna Buddhist Community, and who see living and working to support retreats as an integral part of our spiritual practice. It provides ample rewards, in terms of supportive conditions like daily meditation, and support to attend retreats throughout the year. As well it offers plenty of challenges providing the groundwork for practice of the ethical precepts of body, speech and mind, which are at the core of Buddhist practice.
Acalasiddhi (they/them) came to us via Buddhafield and Windhorse Trading. They were ordained in August 2021 and their name means 'they whose accomplishment comes from resolute perseverance.' Cycling locally is a growing interest. They works as part of the House and Grounds team.
Darren returned to the Dhanakosa community in late 2024 and has lived and worked at Dhanakosa twice before. He has lead responsibility for maintenance within the House and Grounds team and in his spare time is a committed yogi.
Dharmavasini was ordained in 2004 and moved here in 2006, and has managed to participate in all the areas of work here while raising two children with Nayaka. After many years as the gardener she now manages the Operations and Office team. She maintains a deep love for the Northern Highlands and Islands, escaping to them whenever she can. Dharmavasini also practices as a craniosacral therapist.
Graham joined the team in November 2024 and is responsible for the gardening and maintenance support within the House and Grounds team.
Nayaka came to Dhanakosa in 1996 and fell in love with the place; the mountains, the water and, the wilderness. And, as a way of life lived for the benefit of all. He became Centre Director in 2006. Nayaka lives at Dhanakosa with Dharmavasini and they raised their two children, now young adults, here.
Rijubalin joined the community in March 2018 and works in the House and Grounds team. He has been practicing Buddhism since 1993, mostly in Triratna. Art is the other half of his life and he finds Dhanakosa an inspiring place to live. Rijubalin was ordained by Nayaka in 2023 and his name means 'he who is upright and strong',
Stacy came to Dhanakosa via Glasgow and joined the office team in July 2023. She has felt a heart connection with Dhanakosa since her first retreat in 2012. Since moving here, she is endlessly inspired by her surroundings - the people, the landscape, the teachings. Dhanakosa is special, and being part of the team that shares that with the world is magical. That magic and inspiration has spilled over into her creative practice which is the other focus in her life.
Stephen (he/him) is our Kitchen Manager and creates delicious vegan meals for retreats as well as managing our team of volunteer cooks. He moved to Dhanakosa in December 2022 and previously was part of the Worcester sangha. He enjoys swimming in the loch.
Subhanaya (she/her) is part of the Senior Team, manages the Retreats Programme and the House and Grounds Team and teaches regularly on retreats. She came to Dhanakosa from south east England in 2014 and was ordained in 2021. The big landscape here holds her heart and provides a reflection of spaciousness which nourishes her practice. Dance is an important part of her life and she also teaches Open Floor Movement Practice, you can find out more on her website here.