Due to popular demand, we have added an extra retreat to our programme for 2020.  Our theme will be 'The Nature of Existence': the marks of conditioned existence, the doors of liberation and the topsy turvy views.  We will explore the themes of beauty, change, emptiness and ultimate happiness.  The material is taken from Chapter 11 of Sangharakshita's book 'The Three Jewels' which we will study in our groups as well as having significant portions of the retreat laid aside for meditation and reflection to take our understanding deeper.

“..Bodhisattvas, contented as they may be in themselves, will not be ‘content’ as far as others are concerned.  They will see where the situation and circumstances of others can be improved or transformed, and will do something about it” (Sangharakshita: Living with Kindness)

What’s the relationship between living a more contented life and having fewer limitations on what we do for others? On this retreat we’ll look at how the path of the Bodhisattva can help us reconcile these sometimes contradictory trends in our own lives.

“to contemplate the principle of egolessness as some special principle that is somehow separate from our actual behaviour will leave it as far away as ever” (Sangharakshita: Living with Kindness)

On this retreat we’ll use The Ten Pillars of Buddhism as a basis for studying the potentially transformative ethical principles that unite the Triratna Buddhist Order, and how we can use confession to deepen our understanding and practice of them.

“..Bodhisattvas, contented as they may be in themselves, will not be ‘content’ as far as others are concerned.  They will see where the situation and circumstances of others can be improved or transformed, and will do something about it” (Sangharakshita: Living with Kindness)

What’s the relationship between living a more contented life and having fewer limitations on what we do for others? On this retreat we’ll look at how the path of the Bodhisattva can help us reconcile these sometimes contradictory trends in our own lives.

If you’ve already been on the Transcendental Principle retreat, then you’ve probably still got some unanswered questions from that study!  Come on this retreat and revisit a selection of the compelling themes from A Survey of Buddhism. For those who have already been on The Transcendental Principle retreat.

Please note that from August 2020 onwards, we're asking people to only book on ONE retreat in a 3-month period - this is to give everyone a chance of getting a place on one of our retreats.  Please contact us if you have any queries about this.

“Devotion is the emotion that arises when our mettā touches upon something much higher and nobler than ourselves” (Sangharakshita: Living with Kindness)

“In the spiritual community, the rigid application of rules is replaced by something far more subtle:  a living network of friendship and communication centred on the highest shared ideals” (Sangharakshita: Living with Kindness)

What does it mean for each of us to join the Order as spiritual community – is it a support, a practice in itself or something altogether different?    We’ll be examining the nature of kalyana mitrata and the significance of the private and public ordinations in order to find our own answers.

“As a Buddhist you're drawn to the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha, confident that these represent the ultimate values of life, that they symbolise humanity’s highest goal.  Being intent upon the three Jewels in this way brings a clarity to the mind over and above whatever pleasure you may or may not feel” (Sangharakshita: Living with Kindness)