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Shraddhadharani

Shraddhadharani first began practicing Buddhism in Manchester in the late '90's. She now lives in the Scottish Borders where her practice is supported by the beauty and peace of the surrounding landscape. She enjoys using ritual and ceremony as a way of bringing people together around shared values and experiences.

photography and meditation

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Retreat Type:
Introductory

On this retreat we will be exploring our relationship to the landscape and the world around us. There will be minimal technical teaching on this retreat with the emphasis being very much on photography coming out of meditative experience (whatever that turns out to be!).

We will focus on the importance of going beyond just looking, to really seeing with our whole heart, mind, and body. Using all our senses we will explore the world around us at Dhanakosa before we try to capture it photographically whether in big views or in more intimate details. Using inspiration from Buddhist tradition and meditation techniques, we will set a tone for the retreat where awareness can naturally feed into the creative process.

For more information read the retreat information sheet.

Booking Fee:

£100

Booking Availability:
Less than 10 spaces

yoga, embodied movement and meditation

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Retreat Type:
Introductory

These retreats combine introductory meditation teaching with a blend of traditional yoga and contemporary approaches to embodied movement.  This playful synthesis of body based approaches to wellbeing (through meditation and movement) in the peaceful and beautiful environment of the retreat can help restore physical and mental vitality and balance in our lives.

We will cover an introduction to two traditional Buddhist meditations as well as give a solid introduction to the principles of meditation.  We will also be exploring some traditional Buddhist teachings to get a flavour of how these might be relevant to our modern lives.  

No previous experience of meditation, yoga or embodied movement is assumed so these retreats are suitable for complete beginners, but they are also a good refresher for those who already have some experience.

For more information read the retreat information sheet.

Booking Fee:

£100

Booking Availability:
Retreat Full

introductory weekend

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Retreat Type:
Introductory

These retreats are an excellent short introduction to Buddhism and Meditation. We will cover an introduction to two traditional Buddhist meditations: the mindfulness of breathing and the development of loving kindness (metta bhavana). We will also introduce some key elements of the Buddhist tradition. As well as giving a grounding in the basic principles of Buddhism and meditation, these retreats are an ideal reflective situation in which to take a fresh look at ourselves.

These retreats are suitable for complete beginners to meditation as well as being an ideal refresher for those who already have some experience.

For more information read the retreat information sheet.

Booking Fee:

£75

Booking Availability:
Retreat Full

padmasambhava and the vajra of awakening

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Retreat Type:
Regulars - Triratna

The retreat will draw on the inspiration of Padmasambhava, Tantric Guru, who was invited to Tibet to transform the deeper, more unruly forces of the mind. Padmasambhava is seen to be both a historical and mythic figure within Buddhism. He was a renowned Yogi, Dharma Teacher, Shaman, and Healer.

We will bring Padmasambhava to life through talks and Buddhist devotional practice through meditation, silence, and ritual we will explore both the energetic and receptive elements of his teaching.

On the basis of mindfulness and metta, and with the support of silence and ritual, we will explore the practice of ‘just sitting’ where we open to direct experience and the heart of awareness.

For more information read the retreat information sheet.

Booking Fee:

£100

Booking Availability:
Spaces

a heart as wide as the world

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Retreat Type:
Introductory

'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. The approach to teaching will be practical and direct, with plenty of time to reflect and just to be, free from all the pressures and demands of our ordinary lives.

This retreat is suitable for complete beginners as well as being an ideal refresher for those who already have some experience.

For more information read the retreat information sheet

Booking Fee:

£100

Booking Availability:
Spaces