Wabi sabi is an aesthetic, which finds beauty and truth in our simple, ordinary experience. It originated in Japan in the 16th century when the term ‘wabi’ referred to poverty, ‘sabi’ to loneliness. At that time, while hermits were living this poor and lonely life, a cultural shift happened and this simplicity of living took the place of luxury as the highest aesthetic.

The Dharma teaches that samsara has three marks, things are impermanent, insubstantial and painful. Yet transforming our experience isn’t about moving away from life, it’s about going more deeply into it. It is in the depths of conditioned existence that we find the doorways to freedom.

This retreat is appropriate for people with an established meditation practice within the Triratna Buddhist Community, and basic familiarity with the mindfulness of breathing and the metta bhavana will be assumed, as will some experience of puja and Buddhist ritual. 

For more information read the retreat information sheet.

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.

Coming on retreat in this environment will feel different - we have put together a Covid-19 pre-retreat information sheet with more detail about what to expect, please read this before booking and in advance of coming on retreat.