Dhiraka has been practicing since his student days and was ordained in 2005. He is fascinated by the 'problem' of teaching meditation - of communicating what is a very private practice and helping others to 'get it' when he can't 'see' directly the fruits of their efforts. It is a subtle art and one that Dhiraka takes seriously, but does so with a lot of humour as well. He also teaches meditation in secular contexts.
Friday, 11 August 2023 to Friday, 18 August 2023 2023
"If happiness has not its seat and centre in the breast. We may be wise or rich or great but never can be blessed. No treasures, no pleasures can make us happy long. The hearts aye the part aye that makes us right or wrong"; so Robert Burns declared 200 years ago. We will focus on meditations of the heart; practice exercises that will lead us into the hidden depths and treasures that lie in our hearts; explore the heart opening potential of living for a week in spiritual community with like-minded people.
Friday, 7 July 2023 to Sunday, 9 July 2023 2023
A chance for the Scottish sangha to gather at Dhanakosa for a weekend of collective practice.
You need to be an order member, mitra or a centre regular within the Scottish Triratna Buddhist Community in order to attend this retreat.
Friday, 1 April 2022 to Sunday, 3 April 2022 2022
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.
Friday, 27 April 2018 to Friday, 4 May 2018 2018
The focus of this retreat will be the quiet contemplation of the landscape through meditation and painting. This will be supported by experienced teachers in both disciplines who will lead us in an exploration of basic Buddhist meditation practices and guide us through the production of a series of small drawings and paintings based on landscape.
These retreats are open to all. They are suitable for both beginners and those with more experience but no previous experience is assumed. All these retreats include introductory meditation teaching and periods of silence.
Friday, 29 April 2016 to Friday, 6 May 2016 2016
The focus of this retreat will be the quiet contemplation of the landscape through meditation and painting. This will be supported by experienced teachers in both disciplines who will lead us in an exploration of basic Buddhist meditation practices and guide us through the production of a series of small drawings and paintings based on landscape.
For more information, please read the retreat information sheet.
Friday, 2 August 2024 to Friday, 9 August 2024 2024
The combination of observing the beautiful landscape at Dhanakosa with the practice of meditation allows one to cultivate an open awareness of oneself and a deeper connection with nature. This will be a week of reflection and creativity using drawing, painting and meditation. The week will cover full guidance in meditation, some Buddhist ritual and will include some periods of silence to deepen our awareness. Art sessions will be practical and explorative using colour, drawing, and poetry to observe and record experiences.
Friday, 7 June 2024 to Sunday, 9 June 2024 2024
An opportunity for the Scottish sangha to gather at Dhanakosa for a weekend of collective practice.
This retreat is for people regularly attending centres or groups within the Scottish Triratna Buddhist Community, including mitras and order members.
Friday, 15 March 2024 to Sunday, 17 March 2024 2024
These retreats are an excellent short introduction to Buddhism and Meditation. We will cover an introduction to two traditional Buddhist meditations: the mindfulness of breathing and the development of loving kindness (Metta Bhavana). We will also introduce some key elements of the Buddhist tradition. As well as giving a grounding in the basic principles of Buddhism and meditation, these retreats are an ideal reflective situation in which to take a fresh look at ourselves.
Friday, 17 March 2023 to Sunday, 19 March 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.
Friday, 13 October 2023 to Friday, 20 October 2023 2023
The combination of observing the beautiful landscape at Dhanakosa with the practice of meditation allows one to cultivate an open awareness of oneself and a deeper connection with nature. This will be a week of reflection and creativity using drawing, painting and meditation. The week will cover full guidance in meditation, some Buddhist ritual and will include some periods of silence to deepen our awareness. Art sessions will be practical and explorative using colour, drawing, and poetry to observe and record experiences.
