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.
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, 12 August 2022 to Friday, 19 August 2022 2022
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, 5 August 2022 to Friday, 12 August 2022 2022
"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, 27 May 2022 to Sunday, 29 May 2022 2022
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, 30 July 2021 to Friday, 6 August 2021 2021
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.
Friday, 4 June 2021 to Sunday, 6 June 2021 2021
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.
Friday, 19 June 2020 to Friday, 26 June 2020 2020
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.
Friday, 3 April 2020 to Friday, 10 April 2020 2020
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.
Friday, 11 October 2019 to Friday, 18 October 2019 2019
This retreat is about crafting a small number of images from a deep place of resonance between ourselves and our subject, supported by meditation and silence. We will focus on the importance of going beyond just looking, to really seeing with our whole heart, mind and body. We will absorb and come into relationship with the beautiful landscape of the glen before we try to capture it photographically whether in big views or in more intimate details.
