This retreat is suitable for those who have a regular meditation practice and who regularly attend retreats, a centre or a group within the context of the Triratna Buddhist Community. You will also need to be familiar with, and happy to participate in, Triratna Buddhist devotional practice and ritual (puja), be comfortable with extended periods of sitting meditation and the possibility on some retreats of periods spent in silence.
Enlightenment is the state of ‘being awake’. But how exactly do we wake up from our own illusions? The Buddha referred to these illusions as ‘fetters’ and described how they bind us to suffering. He also showed us how, like him, we could see through these illusions. One by one breaking the fetters that hold us back.
“Even if the veil of self is as thin as an eyelid, it will blind us to the reality of things as they are. ” - Rumi
On this retreat, we look into the Buddha’s teachings on these fetters while taking inspiration from the beautiful images of awakening offered by the Persian poet Rumi.
Vajradarshini is known for her down to earth approach to Dharma practice. She draws widely on the Buddhist tradition and on contemporary art and culture, weaving them together to create engaging and enjoyable retreats. You can expect a week of reflection and meditation, with some long periods of silence.
For more information on Vajradarshini: https://www.redladderstudio.com/
Suryamani is a bodywork practitioner by trade, encouraging a loving awareness, ease and intuition in the body. She also loves to share nature inspired meditations and rituals and regularly leads walking meditation retreats within the local landscape. These activities help soften the imagined boundaries between our senses and our environment and can open us up to our indigenous wisdom and the wisdom of the Buddha.
Covid-secure requirements
We are no longer asking each retreatant to take a lateral flow test before travelling to Rivendell, but we are asking that they bring a test with them in case they fall ill whilst here.
We want those that come to Rivendell to be confident that we are making their stay here as safe as possible.
Concession information
Rivendell has a concessionary rate available for most of its retreats. If you are in need of further financial assistance to help enable you to come on retreat here, please do consider writing to our office team via bookings@rivendellretreatcentre.com explaining your circumstances.
Cancellation policy
All deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable in all circumstances. If you wish to cancel your place on a retreat, we require a minimum notice of 4 calendar weeks before a retreat is due to take place, in order that a refund (not the deposit) will be possible. If you cancel and we can't replace you, you will be required to pay half the total cost of the retreat. Please let us know as soon as possible if you need to cancel, as there may be other people waiting for a place on the retreat to become available. Any refund will still be on the basis that we can the fill your space.
Prices for this event are: £389 - £366 (Conc)