Private Retreat
This is a time to be on one's own and to give oneself the conditions and permission to take refuge in the Practice in an uninterrupted way so that when it is time to "go back into the world", we will act in a more compassionate and skilful manner.
"A time of gentle watchfulness from the Sanctuary of "where we are coming from", a time to bow to the Here and the Now".
We'll also explore and experience the support and importance of the
Sangha, the community of meditators practising together.
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.
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".
Cost:
£20 per day for stays up to and including 14 days;
£18 per day for
up to 4 weeks and
£15 per day for stays over 4 weeks
Cost includes accommodation.
Bring food to share
Plus dana to the teacher
DANA
In the tradition of the Buddha, Dharma teaching is given freely.
The
course fees for the meditation retreats cover organising the retreats,
running costs of the centre, accommodation and rental of Maitreya House/Cwm
Cottage,
At the end of each retreat students are invited to give dana to the teachers
for their guidance, time and availability.
Dana is a Pali word meaning "generosity, offering" and is one of
the virtues that supports the letting go and the loosening of "self".
Dana reflects the value you place on the teaching and appreciation for
the guidance of the teacher, the joy of giving and what is realistic
for you. Each participant arrives at the amount voluntarily.There will
be a talk on the practice of dana during each course.
How to Book
