Celebrating those in retreat
Dear friends,
Pati and I recently returned from a week retreat in Poland where we celebrated the starting point of a new Sangha project that Pati has been developing for 20 years, after Lama Shenpen encouraged her to bring Discovering the Heart of Buddhism materials to Polish language speakers.
Pati will write something in the coming weeks to share with you all.
A solitary retreat - with others??
I am also celebrating a number of students who took up the invitation to think of July as a time when they might come to the Hermitage for solitary retreat - at the same time as others. It is a new idea we are trying out, so there is some support for those who might feel a little anxious if they were left on their own - and I thought we could, as a sangha, recognise and honour their practice.
Lama Shenpen (and Milarepa) teach us that those who support those who are in retreat will awaken together. Our Sangha mandala is stronger because of the connections we share, and by rejoicing in the goodness of others, we empower the practice mandala even more.
Those in solitary retreat at the Hermitage for some of July:
Antonio, Paweł, Michelle La Porte, Michelle Moorst, Usannee, Samshi, Alev, Corinna, Heather, Utah, Jeanette, Luke, Cameron, Alan and Maggie. And while not at the Hermitage but still embarking on a 6 week solitary retreat at home - Kshanti.
Please join me in rejoicing in their commitment to practice. May their retreat be fruitful, inspiring and bring deeper insight into the true nature of being.
Not everyone has the conditions that will allow for time to practice in this way, and not everyone will even benefit from this kind of practice - but I believe whole heartedly that it is a good thing for the whole community if there are some who are inspired to offer their practice in this way.
Many of that group will continue into August when we have a two-week Shamatha and Vipashyana retreat taking place.
Coming to the Hermitage isn't possible for everyone and I will be looking at ways we can hold some version of both 'solitary' retreat and the 'Shamatha/Vipashyana' retreat online later in the year and in the January Retreat. Keep an eye out for news when we can give it.
Right now, a small group of young people have just begun a week of retreat, exploring Indestructible Heart Essence and meditation. I have been working with them for some months and this is their first retreat together where they are holding it and organising it for themselves. It's an exciting moment for the future generation of the sangha.
Don't forget to watch out for other teaching and retreat options as they emerge.
With gratitude
Dashon