Discovering the Heart of Buddhism Transmission
with Lama Shenpen Hookham
22-30 August 2009
Hermitage of the Awakened Heart
Although the process of Awakening is something that happens within usand to something within usthere is a sense in which it is just as true to say that it comes to us, as if we were recipients of some kind of gift or power from beyond ourselves. The process of this inspiration of Awakening passing from one being to the next is transmission. Transmission is like the igniting of one flame from anotherthe living flame of Awakening to our true nature, the Buddha's Enlightenment. Transmission is a mysterious, deep and subtle process and begins even in spite of our doubts and hesitations, even in spite of our not knowing what it means exactly.
This retreat is a special opportunity to take an extended period of time to deepen our meditation and daily life awareness practice, explore our experience, and sharpen our insight, all in the supportive atmosphere of a group retreat.
From Lama Shenpen's 'Notes on Transmission':
'So the implicit connection students work with from the beginning of DHB becomes explicit and is now based on a mutual understanding between myself and the student. As students open their hearts and formally acknowledge their conviction that they have glimpsed the base of the path in their own experience, this transmission can take place. It is pointed to by the DHB and confirms our wish to commit ourselves to cultivating this by continuing to spiral ever more deeply round and around the key points expressed in those teachings. The fruit will be the full realisation of their deepest level of significance as full Awakening.
Having received the transmission you can think of your on-going work on the DHB and THB as a means of linking into the Mahamudra and Dzogchen transmission lineage through your direct connection with me.'
If you would like to find out more about this retreat, email [email protected]ku.gro.sha@egatimreh .
For a booking form, click here.
For Hermitage practicalities, click here.
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
There is no fixed cost for retreats at the Hermitage--rather we rely on your generous donations. As a guideline, £250 would allow us to cover our costs. To register for a retreat or to find out more, email [email protected]ku.gro.sha@egatimreh
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
There are a limited number of single rooms, which are available on a first come, first serve basis to people who have sent in a non-refundable deposit of £50. Double rooms and camping are also available.
How To Book
Places are limited, so please book well in advance. 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.
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.