Sangha Retreat: Values and Guardianship
with Lama Shenpen Hookham
19-26 April 2008
Hermitage of the Awakened Heart
This retreat is for those who want to enter fully into the life and training within the AHS. It is for those who understand how it is by serving others that our own practice matures and that it is only through the Dharma that we can bring ultimate benefit to ourselves and others. At this retreat Lama Shenpen will introduce and outline her vision for Guardianship training in terms of mandala principle and the living transmission of the Dharma within the Mahamudra and Dzogchen lineage. In particular, we will explore what values Guardians will be training to uphold. From within we want our behaviour to each other and in relation to the mandala to be conducive to Awakening at all times and from outside we want to be seen to stand for Awakening and the welfare and peace of the world.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />
If you would like more information and an application to attend, email [email protected]ku.gro.sha@lirpa
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 with splendid views toward Mount 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 Bangor (20 miles away). You can easily get a taxi or bus to the Hermitage. You will be sent full travel details and information on what to bring when you book.
Retreats begin on Saturday afternoon with a meeting for newcomers and formally end on the final Saturday morning. After the retreat ending ceremony, 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
Retreat costs may be subject to change.
Offerings 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
Accomodation
Single room: £37/night; Shared room: £32; Camping or off-site: £22/night
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.
How To Book
Places are limited, so please book well in advance, and if possible no later than March 1. You may download a booking form by clicking here.
Send your completed form along with your deposit cheque to the Awakened Heart Sangha Office, 5A High Street Criccieth, LL52 0RN. You will 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 email [email protected]ku.gro.sha@stneve or phone the Sangha office at 01766 523110.
If you are new to Awakened Heart Sangha retreats, you may also want to look at Frequently Asked Questions about retreats or 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 .
Donations 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, 5A High Street, Criccieth LL52 0RN.