Trusting the Heart of Buddhism 2:
Month Retreat
with Lama Shenpen Hookham
22-30 August 2009
Hermitage of the Awakened Heart
"At the heart of reality is a hidden truth, which is reflected within each of us, but unrealised. To realise this truth takes courage, persistence and training. It changes our world and ourselves eventually igniting the fire of vision, love and creative power. This truth is not an affair of the intellect, but a living presence that lays a demand for its fulfilment on the totality of our being. The quest for it having begun, we can never give it up or rather it never gives us up." ~ Lama Rigdzin Shikpo
At the Heart of Buddhism is a living truth, like a timeless flame waiting to be discovered. This will be the second retreat on Trusting the Heart of Buddhism (THB) focussing on Coursebook Two. Whereas DHB is about our immediate experience THB goes further into exploring how this relates to a vaster vision, the cosmos and the deepest questions about the nature of realityquestions such as: What is Truth? Why are we here? What is the path? Where does it lead?
The month retreat is a special opportunity to devote an extended period of time to your meditation and daily life awareness practice, explore your experience, and sharpen your insight, all in the supportive atmosphere of a group retreat.
Since the retreat will draw on the language and teachings of both the DHB and THB Book 1, if you have not yet worked with this material, but would like to attend the retreat, please request permission from [email protected]ku.gro.sha@egatimreh . At some point during the retreat Lama Shenpen will be giving the THB transmission for the second time and so this is a rare opportunity to receive this transmission and Lama Shenpen is recommending older students who have not received this transmission before to try to attend at least the transmission part of the retreat (the date of which is yet to be decided).
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.