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. Visit his website.
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.
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.
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.
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.
"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.
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.
The combination of drawing and painting the beautiful landscape at Dhanakosa along with the practice of meditation allows one to cultivate an open awareness of oneself and a deeper connection with the land. This will be a week of reflection and creativity with expert tutors, Tejini and Dhiraka. The week will cover full guidance in meditation and will include periods of silence. The art will be led by Tejini and drawing will predominate.
You need to be an order member, mitra or a centre regular within the Scottish Triratna Buddhist Community in order to attend this retreat.
Covid-19 update: At the current time we are expecting to be able to run this retreat with a maximum of 10 retreatants and 2 team members. We will be following physical distancing guidelines and have enhanced cleaning and hygiene measures in place.
The combination of drawing and painting the beautiful landscape at Dhanakosa along with the practice of meditation allows one to cultivate an open awareness of oneself and a deeper connection with the land. This will be a week of reflection and creativity with expert tutors, Tejini and Dhiraka. The week will cover full guidance in meditation and will include periods of silence.
For more information read the retreat information sheet.
The Buddha’s teaching of conditionality or dependent arising is a way to understand how experience works in terms of causes and conditions, but also a teaching about the way of life that leads to liberation. This retreat will combine study of the Buddha’s teachings on dependent arising with discussion and meditation to make it all real.
For more information read the retreat information sheet.
