Christmas and New Year Retreat<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />
The Hermitage of the Awakened Heart
North Wales
December 23rd 2004 ΓÇô January 2nd 2005
The Awakened Heart Sangha will be holding a group retreat over the Christmas and New Year holidays for anyone who would like to spend this usually busy period in a relaxed and mostly silent meditative environment with other retreatants.
The retreat will begin at supper on Thursday December 23rd and end after breakfast on Sunday 2 January. It is fine to come for all or part of the retreat.
There will be about 6 hours of meditation each day in the shrine room. In the afternoon there will be a group session with stories from the lives of great practitioners and Dharma songs. Hopefully we can also persuade Shenpen to give us teachings on some days. She will definitely give meditation interviews to retreatants. On Christmas day and New YearΓÇÖs Eve we will celebrate with special feast ceremonies.
Since this is expected to be a small retreat, it will be self-catering. Food will be provided, and the group can decide whether people want to cook individually for themselves or take it in turns to cook for the group.
Costs
Offering to Shenpen
It is traditional to make an offering to Buddhist teachers to express gratitude for teachings received and to make a strong positive connection. All students are asked to make a donation as an offering for Shenpen, who will receive no payment for this retreat other than what she is given as offerings. Suggested amount: £50-200
Hermitage costs
This amount goes entirely towards the cost of food, running the Hermitage, and offsetting the SanghaΓÇÖs overheads in running events. The Sangha does not aim to make any profit on its retreats.
Single Room: £25/night
Off-site: £20 per day
Bursaries
There is a bursary fund in the Awakened Heart Sangha that helps people attend retreats who would not otherwise be able to. To apply for a bursary write to Cindy Cooper at 99 Warwick Way, London SW1V 1QL, or email [email protected]ku.gro.sha@ydnic , explaining your circumstances and what you can afford to pay.
Donation to support Bursary Fund
The bursary fund depends on regular donations. Please consider giving something to enable another person to attend this retreat who would not otherwise be able to. Any amount you can offer will be gratefully received. Cheques should be clearly marked for the Bursary Fund, made out to the Shrimala Trust, and sent to the Awakened Heart Sangha Office, Bwthyn Plas Brynhir, Lon Ednefyd, Criccieth LL52 0AR.
The Venue ΓÇô The Hermitage of the Awakened Heart
The Christmas retreat will be held at the Hermitage, which is on the Llyn peninsula in North Wales, in lovely countryside and with splendid views toward Snowdon. Accommodation at the Hermitage is quite basic but comfortable, in cottages and caravans.
The nearest train station is Criccieth (4 miles from the Hermitage), or you can take the train to Bangor (20 miles away) and get a taxi or buses to the Hermitage. You will be sent full details of what to bring with you and travel information when you book.
How To Book
You may download a booking form from this website by clicking here. Send your completed form to the address on the form along with your deposit cheque.
Questions
If you have any questions about this retreat please contact Karl Price, The Hermitage, Ynys Graianog, Criccieth, Gwynedd, LL52 ONT, Tel: (01766) 512 543, email: hermitage@ ahs.org.uk.
If you are new to Awakened Heart Sangha retreats, you may also want to look at:
- Frequently Asked Questions about retreats.
- The booklet "An Introduction to Awakened Heart Sangha Events".