Smritiratna

In Buddhism, the four love meditations are known as the brahma vihāras or ‘sublime abidings’. These meditations cultivate kindness (mettā bhāvanā), compassion (karunā bhāvanā), appreciative joy (muditā bhāvanā) and serenity (upekkhā bhāvanā). In a way they are a meditative preparation for real life - our encounters with real human beings in the midst of their joys and sorrows.

We live, it seems, in increasingly troubled times. Yet if we fall prey to fear, hatred, blame and conflict, things only get worse. Somehow we need the resources to find our feet, rise up and meet the challenges we face with courage and confidence, with strength and dignity, with creativity and compassion, with wisdom and the harmonising speech that builds concord and co-operation.

This online week of Tai Chi, writing and meditation will trace our intimate relation to the dance of the elements: Earth, Water, Fire, Air, Space, and Consciousness – with an overall theme of impermanence.  Whatever arises from our practice we will use to play with the reality of our inter-connectedness, write about it and share our stories.

Wednesday 10th November 2021: 10.15 - 13.00 (GMT)

You're welcome to join Smritiratna online for the November half-day retreat. We'll spend the morning exploring the theme through the practice of meditation, a short talk and small group reflections.

Please join the retreat at 10.15 to settle and say hello. The zoom room will be locked at 10.30 and we'll stay online through to the end of the retreat at 1pm. As well as the meditation period there will be hourly breaks built in to refresh your energy. This is a chance to come together in shared practice once more. 

Wednesday 12th May 2021: 10.15 - 13.00 (GMT)

You are welcome to join Smritiratna online, he has the following to say about the retreat: 

Smritiratna writes: "We live, it seems, in increasingly troubled times. Yet if we fall prey to fear, hatred, blame and conflict, things only get worse. Somehow we need the resources to find our feet, rise up and meet the challenges we face with courage and confidence, with strength and dignity, with creativity and compassion, with wisdom and the harmonising speech that builds concord and co-operation.

“Dark of the Year, Return of the Light”

This year our Men’s Winter Retreat will take place over Zoom, direct from the Dhanakosa shrineroom. Our annual theme marks the time of the Winter Solstice, when the light begins to return at the darkest time of the year. The retreat offers a creative way to resource ourselves at this dark time and turn towards the light. We’ll be training in appreciative mindfulness day by day, with meditation, talks, discussion and devotion.

The True Value of Appreciation 

December 9th 1015 - 1300 (GMT)

Within his over-arching theme of ‘Appreciative Mindfulness in Troubled Times’ here Smritiratna appreciates appreciation itself - a humble but extraordinary way of living human life.

The Green Buddha: Appreciative Mindfulness in Troubled Times

November 11th: 1015 - 1300 (GMT)

This is the title of a residential week’s retreat Smritiratna is due to lead here in January. Here is an introduction as well as a chance to do this mini retreat on the theme even if you can’t make the January week.

These retreats combine introductory meditation teaching with yoga. The supportive atmosphere of the retreat allows us to develop and deepen both practices, and understand how the two augment each other. Both meditation and yoga teaching will be suitable for complete beginners.

For more information read the retreat information sheet.