Going Deeper retreats are an ideal first regulars’ retreat. They are suitable for anyone who has already done an introductory retreat or who has been attending their local Triratna centre and wants to take things deeper.

Going Deeper with Hillwalking takes the established, successful Hillwalking retreat format and by intensifying the practice enables us to connect more deeply with our experience both in the shrine room and in nature. We will continue exploring the Mindfulness of Breathing and Metta Bhavana and also introduce a stronger Just Sitting element to the practice, and more reflection, both on and off the cushion. These retreats will also include an introduction to Buddhist ritual and the Seven Fold Puja. Longer periods of silence together and quiet walks will all support a deep and rich experience both of ourselves and the world around us.

The retreat will include three days of guided walks. There will be walk options available to suit different levels of fitness. All walks are in the local area, but some require a short drive to get to the starting point. For more information on the walks, recommended fitness levels and the appropriate clothing and footwear to bring, please read the retreat information sheet. 

Seeing the dangers confronting humankind these days, we can feel depressed, demoralised and helpless to avert disaster - or even to talk about such feelings. This retreat provides a space to talk about and to explore an extraordinary sequence of reflections and communal practices that can rekindle an ‘active hope’ and vision for humanity. 

The retreat takes its title from a book called Active Hope co-authored by Joanna Macy and Chris Johnston. Having studied Buddhism, Joanna went on to develop this sequence of exercises and reflections to help us move from despair to hope. Such hope is far more than something vague and passive, it's creating a vision for humanity, a future which we can contribute to and actively help bring about.

The retreat will be focused around Joanna Macy's workshop exercises 'the spiral of the work that reconnects'. Each day will include meditation and movement to help us assimilate and process what is stirred by the workshops. There will also be periods of silence overnight. No prior experience will be assumed and all necessary tuition will be provided. 

For more information, including detail of the workshops and daily programme, see the retreat information sheet. You can also watch Smritiratna's short video about the retreat here. 

Going Deeper retreats are an ideal first regulars’ retreat. They are suitable for anyone who has already done an introductory retreat or who has been regularly attending their local Triratna centre and wants to take things deeper. 

In Going Deeper – Awake in the Wild we will take our meditation practice into the great outdoors. Awakening our senses to the different elements of the surrounding landscape, we will cultivate a deeper sense of connection with nature.  

We will explore how our connection with nature, landscape, and the elements can support a deepening of awareness and a more embodied and harmonious approach to life. We will weave together Buddhist teachings, meditation practice, and an appreciative and playful investigation of the natural world around us to create an experience of depth and connection. 

To help ground our experience we will have daily gentle movement practices, including Qi Gong. The retreat will also include an introduction to Buddhist ritual and the seven-fold puja, with an emphasis on connecting with nature.

For more information, read the retreat information sheet. 

Join Amayaraja and Candradhi at Dhanakosa for a weekend of practice and connection with young Buddhists from across Scotland and beyond. During the retreat we will explore what it means to bring all of our energy onto the path, and how to navigate the seemingly tensions and polarities that face us, within and without, in our lives and the world. Peace and passion, engagement and withdrawal, self and world… 

Through stories, meditation, discussion, and ritual we’ll explore what it means to live a creative life of practice using mythic imagery from the life of the Buddha. 

The retreat is open to young people aged 35 and under with all levels of experience. 

For more information read the retreat information sheet. 

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.