Private Retreat

“Retreat is a much misunderstood and misused word. It is not an occasion for convalescence, or for transcendental or psychic adventure, nor of penance, or, indeed, a platform for performance.

It is quite simply a time to let go of defence, offence, or pretence. A time of gentle watchfulness from the Sanctuary of “where you are coming from”. The stillness at the Eye of the Storm; and of renewal of the Ease and Trust in the humility of the moment. A time to bow to the Here and the Now.” (Roshi John Garrie).

We will explore the support of the sangha, the community of meditators practising together.

Reflections on Private Retreat,
Amarana, Aug. '05

"After the outbreath a space opened. And the next inbreath comes out of that space, without any thoughts. When we meet ourselves in that space we can meet ourselves truly with openness.
The inbreath, if not coming from that wide-open empty space, can be dangerous as it then feeds the thinking mind.
We students are here at The Orchard in order to allow our "ego" - the opinion that we have of ourselves - to dissolve, to free ourselves from it so that the wide-open empty space can show itself to us and we can come to meet everything in a wholesome way.
We students are here at The Orchard to learn, to stand on our own feet, to become "MATURE".
You, Sonia, supports us with your strength and the clarity of knowledge of the liberating wholesome path".

You can arrange any length of time for retreat, but minimum stay is 3 days. A personal programme will be discussed with you on arrival.

Cost:
£18 pd for up to 15 days;
£15 pd for up to 30 days and
£12 pd after that.
However, if you choose to stay in a cabin at Maitreya House, these rates will be increased by £5 pd.

Plus dana to the teacher