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.
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 a 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, please read the retreat information sheet.
On this retreat we will bring awareness to our experience through photography and painting. Combining this with meditation in a supportive environment we will learn the 'Art of Being and Seeing'. There will be less technical teaching than on the March photography retreat and no previous experience of photography or painting is necessary.
For more information, please read the retreat information sheet.
We’re very attached to the notion that our lives ‘should’ be useful, purposeful and meaningful. Yet ultimately these are just figments of the human mind. The ‘mandala of uselessness’ is simply being: being what we really are, inseparable from nature itself which is undivided and ungraspable.
‘You don’t have to justify your existence by doing things which are useful’ - Sangharakshita
For more information, please read the retreat information sheet.
This retreat will emphasise a body-based approach to meditation supported by the mindful bodywork of Yoga to help us develop a fuller physical and emotional awareness. We will continue exploring the Mindfulness of Breathing and Metta Bhavana and also introduce a stronger Just Sitting and reflection element to the practice.
For more information, please read the retreat information sheet.
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 mor information, please read the retreat information sheet.
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.
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.
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, please read the retreat information sheet.
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 but participants should bring a digital SLR camera with them.
For more information, please read the retreat information sheet.
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 a 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, please read the retreat information sheet.
