Amoghavira first encountered Buddhism in 1979 while struggling through a mathematics degree at Glasgow University. Ordained into the Western Buddhist Order in 1982 he then started working at the Glasgow Buddhist Centre. 

He worked for 2 years at the Sydney Buddhist Centre in Australia from 1988, and on his way back to Britain in 1990, spent 3 months in Kathmandu helping run meditation and Buddhism course there. Falling in love with Nepal, he’s been a regular visitor there ever since.

In 1996, he moved to Dhanakosa to help with retreat leading here, which he’s been doing ever since. He loves being in the mountains and this has led to a passion for landscape photography and he now lives in the village of Callander, about 15 miles from Dhanakosa.

Siladevi has been practicing Buddhism since 2004. She has been Manchester based for nearly all of her Dharma life and was Ordained in 2017. She loves the Dharma and would love it to be accessible to the whole range of beings who could benefit from it.

Upekshanandi was ordained in 2017 and has lived at Dhanakosa since 2013. She loves long walks around the glen, spends most of her free time reading books and is passionate about exploring meditation practice.

Maitrivira has been participating in Dhanakosa retreats for 20 years. He brings a wealth of experience with him.

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.