Theme
This retreat is geared towards all students currently studying with Lama Shenpen. The theme of this week-long retreat will be Feast Offering. We will explore the importance of the idea of centrality of offering with reference to the Shrimala Mahayana Feast Offering liturgy, the Feast Offering booklet and the Seven Branch Prayer.
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 each retreatant to have an individual interview with Lama Shenpen.
Arrival and Departure Times
The retreat will begin at 6pm on Wednesday, December 23rd with a special meeting for any newcomers, followed by supper at 7 pm for everyone. The retreat will end after breakfast on Friday, January 2nd.
Other Retreat Activities
A common experience on Buddhist retreats is Meditation, Study and Dharma in Action! Awakened Heart Sangha retreats engage us fully in this all retreatants help with various tasks that help keep the retreat running, including kitchen help, tending the shrine room, teacher's attendant, interview organizer; you know, chopping wood and carrying water!
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. All students are asked to make a donation as an offering for Lama Shenpen, who will receive no payment for this week other than what she is given as offerings. Suggested amount: £50-200
Hermitage costs
This amount goes entirely towards the cost of running the Hermitage, catering and offsetting the Sangha's overheads in running events.
Single room: £37/night
Shared room: £32/night
Camping (!): £22/night
Offsite: £22/day
Bursary Fund
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 Belinda Wain at Llwyn Eilian, Rhosgadfan, Caernarfon, Gwynedd, LL54 7HE, or email [email protected]ku.gro.sha@adnileb , explaining your circumstances and what you can afford to pay.
Help run this retreat
A number of people are needed to manage the running of this retreat. 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 .
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 December 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 December 7th, 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 Belinda Wain, Llwyn Eilian, Rhosgadfan, Caernarfon, Gwynedd, LL54 7HE.
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 the retreat you can contact Jane Powell by phone on 01970 880827 or at:
Cynefin, Capel Bangor, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 3LU
or email: [email protected]ku.oc.enilnoku@llewopj .
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