The Awakened Heart Sangha will be holding a residential weekend retreat on the theme of "Spontaneous Activity from Outside Time". Lama Shenpen will be exploring with us how to distinguish ordinary reactive behaviour from genuine responsiveness and appropriate action.
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. There will also be an opportunity for an individual interview with Lama Shenpen.
The retreat will begin at 6pm on Friday evening with a meeting for any newcomers, followed by supper at 7:00pm 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.
Booking - Please Note the Deadline!
We are required to give Park Place our final list of retreatants 14 days before the retreat starts, so please book your place early, and NO LATER THAN OCTOBER 13th.
While we will try to accept bookings after that date, there is no guarantee that Park Place will allow them, and we may have to turn people away even though there are places available. So please book early!
You may download a booking form for this event by clicking here
Send your completed form to the address on the form along with your deposit cheque. 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 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: £15-£80
Accommodation and Catering Costs
This amount largely goes to the Priory for catering and venue hire. A small amount is added to cover basic Sangha overheads, but not to make any profit.
Single (standard): £110/weekend
Single (en-suite): £120/weekend
Shared (standard): £100/weekend
Shared (en-suite): £110/weekend
Off-site (own accommodation): £70/weekend
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 'For the Bursary Fund', 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 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 Park Place
The weekend will be held at Park Place Pastoral Centre, Wickham, Hampshire, midway between Portsmouth and Southampton. The Pastoral Centre is run by the Congregation of the Franciscan Sisters of St. Mary of the Angels, and offers a place where people of all faiths, or none, can temporarily withdraw from the demands of everyday life and relax in an environment of peace and calm. The Centre is based in a fine old Georgian House set in 18 acres of attractive grounds in the lovely Hampshire countryside, and consists of a fine mix of older buildings and newly built accommodation, all of it very comfortable.
The nearest rail station to Park Place is Fareham (4 miles away), with good connections to Southampton, Winchester and Portsmouth. A regular bus service runs between Portsmouth, Fareham and Winchester stopping at the entrance to Park Place. Full details will be sent to you once you book a place.
Questions
If you have any questions about this weekend, contact:
Gill Rothwell
60B High Street
Wells
Somerset BA5 2SN
Tel: (01749) 672051
email:
[email protected]ku.oc.evreseerf.llewhtormg@llig
.
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