The Awakened Heart Sangha will be holding a residential weekend retreat on the theme of ΓÇýTonglen'. Shenpen will introduce the practice of Tonglen as a way of turning towards experience and finding a fresh and more compassionate response to our own suffering and the suffering of others.
In addition to the teachings, there will be plenty of sitting and walking meditation. There will be times for silence and times for talking with other retreatants, both informally and in discussion groups.
The retreat will begin at 6pm on Friday evening with a meeting for any newcomers, followed by supper at 7:15pm for everyone. The retreat will end by 4:30pm on Sunday. This weekend offers an opportunity to experience the community provided by a residential retreat, but for a short period. Retreatants are expected to help with various tasks to keep the retreat running, and a rota will be put up. All meals will be fully catered for us, giving us time to enjoy and reflect on the peaceful atmosphere.
How to Book
Retreats at the Priory fill up quickly, so to avoid disappointment, please book your place early, and NO LATER THAN JANUARY 25th.
While we try to accept late bookings, they are very disruptive to the cooks and organisers of the retreat. Meals have to be planned, food bought, accommodation worked out based on the sex ratio and names already listed. If you try to book any later than January 25th be prepared to miss the retreat even if there are places available, since it may be too difficult for us to coordinate arrangements.
You may download a booking form from this website, by clicking here.
Send your completed form along with your deposit cheque to Sarah Pink, Gilberts Cottage, Church Road, Farringdon, Alton, GU34 3EG.
You will then receive a letter confirming your place and giving you further information about the retreat, or returning your deposit if your booking can not be accepted.
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 weekend other than what she is given as offerings. Suggested amount: £15-£80
Accommodation and Catering Costs
This amount largely goes to the Priory for catering and venue hire. An amount is added to cover basic Sangha overheads, but not to make any profit.
Single Room: £90/weekend
Shared Room: £84/weekend
Off-site (own accommodation): £60/weekend
Help Run this Retreat
A number of people are needed to manage the running of this retreat, and discounts of up to 50%-100% are available. For more information and to apply for a position, please mark the booking form or contact the Events Coordinator, Jane Powell, on 01970 880827, [email protected]ku.oc.enilnoku@llewopj .
Bursaries
There is a bursary fund in the Awakened Heart Sangha to help people who would not otherwise be able to attend retreats. To apply for a bursary write to Cindy Cooper at 99 Warwick Way, London SW1V 1QL or [email protected]ku.gro.sha@ydnic , explaining your circumstances and what you can afford to pay.
Bursary Fund
Please consider making a donation to the bursary fund to help someone else attend the retreat who would not otherwise be able to. Any amount will be gratefully received. Your cheque should be made payable to the Shrimala Trust, marked clearly ΓÇýFor the Bursary FundΓÇÖ, and sent to the Awakened Heart Sangha Office, Bwthyn Plas Brynhir, Lon Ednefyd, Criccieth LL52 0AR.
The Venue ΓÇô The Priory
The weekend will be held at the Priory of our Lady at Sayers Common, which is about 8 miles north of Brighton, set in the peaceful countryside of the Sussex Downs. The Priory is an Augustinian monastic community, which leads the contemplative life while running a pastoral centre for groups or individuals for retreats, conferences or simply periods of peace and quiet. Though the community has a long spiritual tradition, the monastery, pastoral centre and strikingly modern church, which recalls the oast houses of the Weald, are all newly built and very comfortable.
The nearest rail station to the Priory is Hassocks on the main London-Brighton line; by road it is just off the A23. Full details will be sent to you once you book a place.
Questions
If you have any questions about this weekend, contact Sarah Pink, Gilberts Cottage, Church Road, Farringdon, Alton, GU34 3EG, Tel:(01420) 588477, email: [email protected]moc.liamtoh@0002pseharas .
Click here for a downloadable booking form.
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