A week of meditation and teachings by Lama Shenpen on the life and songs of Milarepa, Tibet's poet saint. Open to all, this is an opportunity to connect with the warm-hearted and profound songs of one of the key teachers of the Kagyu lineage. Lama Shenpen will be relating these songs to the way we practice in the Awakened Heart Sangha.
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.
The retreat will begin at 6 pm on Saturday, June 17th with a special meeting for any newcomers, followed by supper at 7 pm for everyone. The retreat will formally end after breakfast on Saturday, June 24th. Following the retreat, there will be a short pilgrimage to a local sacred site. If you are interested in joining the pilgrimage, plan to stay through Saturday evening.
All 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: Suggested amount: £50-200
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.
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
Offsite or Camping: £22/day
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
Places are limited, so please book well in advance, and if possible NO LATER THAN June 7th.
You may request a booking form by emailing [email protected]ku.gro.sha@stneve
Send your completed form along with your deposit cheque to Awakened Heart Sangha Office, Bwthyn Plas Brynhir, Lon Ednyfed, Criccieth, LL52 0AR.
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:
[email protected]ku.gro.sha@stneve
Tel: 0870 7743580
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".
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 email [email protected]ku.gro.sha@seirasrub .
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 Ednyfed, Criccieth LL52 0AR.