Dear friends
2025 began with a wonderful online retreat on the Four Noble Truths.
It was held and organised and led by Katie and Yonten, supported by Norbu and others. I gave teachings each Sunday and it was a very profound exercise for me to reflect on the most foundational teachings in the tradition. The more I reflected and discussed with others through the month, the more their importance was revealed. I think there were almost 100 people registered, which is a testament to the commitment of our sangha members to go deeper into the vast vision of Dharma.
Over the winter, Julian Coryn - who had previously spent the summer at the Hermitage as a steward - spent three months in solitary retreat. We celebrate his practice and commitment. He intends to return to the retreat life again before the end of the year. You can read about his experience here Newsletter Retreat 2.0[1].docx
As we entered February, a group of senior students, in person and online, met to receive teachings from Lama Shenpen on the most profound teachings of Mahāmudrā.
Our numbers were reduced with illness and yet, even those who had to leave early, found their way online. It is such a wonderful resource that we have ways to access these teachings in the virtual space, allowing so many more opportunities than ever to connect deeply and meaningfully.
Straight from that retreat, Five Cram entered into three months of solitary retreat. I am sure we all wish him well and look forward to hearing from him when he emerges later in the Spring.
I am thrilled that the cabin I spent two years in recently, is now being used to create the culture of retreat. We have a number of people lined up to keep the practice going.
Elliot King has returned to the Hermitage to pick up the role of Steward, helping to support the on going practice at the Sacred Space which is at the centre of our Sangha Mandala. Our thanks go to him and I am enjoying observing his growing engagement with the Dharma.
If you are interested in acting as Steward for the Hermitage or as a support for the management team, see here for more details.
https://sites.google.com/ahs.org.uk/servicetothesangha/hermitage-steward
Bristol
I will be teaching on The Heart of Meditation in Bristol in March.
The day is open to everyone.
If you are interested in coming, see here for more details https://ahs.org.uk/events/2025/03/08/heart-meditation-bristol
Please see here for all the events and courses coming up.
I look forward to seeing you in person or online.
Dashon