At this year's Autumn retreat, Lama Shenpen will teach on the the importance of spiritual friendship with reference to Sutra material, especially the Gandhavyuha (3rd volume of the Flower Ornament Sutra). We will be deepening our meditation and daily life awareness practice and exploring what is meant by the directness of experience with special reference to the Gandhavyuha.
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 informatlly and in discussion groups. There will also be an opportunity for each retreatant to have an individual interview with Lama Shenpen.
The retreat will begin at 6 pm on Saturday, September 17th with a special meeting for any newcomers, followed by supper at 7 pm for everyone. The reteat will end after breakfast on Saturday, September 24th.
All meals will be cooked for us, but retreatants are expected to help with various tasks to help keep the retreat running, including kitchen help, tending the shrine room, teacher's attendant, interview organizer, etc. A rota will be put up for these tasks.
Costs
Offering to Lama Shenpen
It is traditional to make an offering to Buddhist teachers to express gratitude for teachings received and to make a strong positive connection. Lama Shenpen will receive no payment for her teaching other than what is given as offerings. Students are asked to make a donation to the Teacher's Fund, to be used for this purpose.
Suggested amount: £50-200
Retreat costs
This amount goes entirely towards the cost of food, running the Hermitage, and offsetting the Sangha's overheads in running events. The Sangha does not aim to make any profit on its retreats.
Single room:
£37/night Shared room: £32/night Camping: £22/night Off-site: £22/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.
Help Run this Retreat
A number of people are needed to manage the running of this retreat, and 50%-100% discounts are available. For more information and to apply for a position, please mark the booking form or contact Jane Powell, on (01970) 880827, [email protected]ku.oc.enilnoku@llewopj .
The Venue The Hermitage of the Awakened Heart
This 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
Please book your place early, and if possible NO LATER THAN September 7th.
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 April 23rd 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 Jessica Parkes, 32 Green Lane, Ockbrook, Derbyshire DE72 3SE.
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.
Questions
If you have any questions about this retreat please contact:
Jessica Parkes 32 Green Lane Ockbrook,Derbyshire DE72 3SE
Tel: 01332 544483
email: [email protected]ku.gro.sha@acisseJ
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".