Smritiratna first took up Buddhist practice in 1977 at the age of 21 while studying Developmental Psychology at Sussex University. At 27, he began training in earnest with the FWBO and entered the Western Buddhist Order in 1991.
In 1996, he came to Scotland, joined the Dhanakosa project and spent five years on-site, teaching and house-keeping. In 2001, he gave up house-keeping to concentrate on study, contemplation and teaching. He now lives in a forest hut near Dhanakosa. He still leads Dhanakosa retreats and continues to delight in introducing meditation to newcomers.
Dharmamudra - I was ordained into the Triratna Buddhist Order in 1984. I have since then explored and practiced Taiji and Chi Gong with various established teachers.
I was looking for a teacher who would express and work with the principles of the Taiji classics, rather than just learning patterns of movement and my search ended on meeting Wee Kee Jin, the New Zealand based founder of the Taiji School of Central Equilibrium. I continue, as a senior student, to train and practice with Jin, and live and work as a sculptor at the Sudarshanaloka Buddhist centre in New Zealand. In my role as UK coordinator for workshops and seminars based on Jin's approach I spend part of my time in the UK working and teaching.
The week's retreat, an established element of the Dhanakosa program since 2000, is based on these particular Taiji principles and practices, focusing on the connections between mindfulness and awareness both in meditation and Taiji.
Open to all, these retreats 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.
Dhanakosa does not charge for retreats. Instead, we ask people to make a donation towards the ongoing cost of running the centre, for everyone. This recognises that everyone’s financial circumstances are different. It’s a genuine donation but our suggested donations may serve as a guide. You are free to decide how much to give. And we don’t want our doors to be closed to the less well off.
The donations we collect from you on your retreat pay for future retreats. You are “paying it forward”. And the retreatants of the future will heartily appreciate your generosity.
To find out more about how donations to Dhanakosa and the Dana Economy click here.
Booking fees for 2024:
Our suggested donations for 2024 (in addition to the booking fee) are (higher/lower level):
We ask people to make a donation in advance of arrival, either online or by phone. You can do this by phoning the office or donate online here. Please use the message section of the on-line form, or email us to let us know which retreat you are donating for.
It will also be possible to give a donation while you are here. Donations can be made by credit/debit card, cheque or cash.