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.
“This being human is a guest house, Every morning a new arrival, A joy, a depression, a meanness, Some momentary awareness comes, As an unexpected visitor, Welcome and entertain them all!” from 'The Guest House' by Rumi
On this retreat we will be looking at welcoming a more fuller experience of ourselves. Meeting ourselves with an open loving heart. A great deal of our potential energy can then be caught up in resistance and aversion. We can close our hearts to our ‘joys’ as well as our ‘depressions’.These parts of us can become overlooked, forgotten and even unacceptable to us. Which can mean that we cut off from our body, our vitality and our own complex humanity.
This approach to practice can be found in very early Tibetan Buddhism.The parts of ourselves are referred to as ‘Demons’ who are transformed into ‘Allies’, once they are given what they most need from a place of love and compassion.
Inspired by these early practices, through using the imagination and creativity, we will turn towards and come into relationship with these aspects of ourselves. Taking time to get to know them, giving them creative form, and exploring what they might be in need of. Through meditation, sharing, creativity and immersive rituals we will welcome these parts into a sacred space of loving awareness.
Mandarava is an artist, storyteller, puppet maker and 'Somatic Experiencing’ practitioner and is also training in 'Focusing'. She is known for creating inspiring rituals that connect participants to their own depths and inspiration.
Mandarava will be joined by Sinhacandra and Alayasri, all of whom have been friends for over 30 years. Each brings their unique qualities. Their retreats are known for being imaginative, creative and magical. A space for intimacy and in depth sharing, as well as time to laugh and have fun.
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 deposit amounts 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.
If you cancel more than 6 calendar weeks before a retreat is due to take place you will receive a refund of all but the deposit amount, if you have paid in full.
If you cancel between 6 and 4 calendar weeks before the retreat is due to take place and we can't replace you, you will be required to pay half the total cost of the retreat.
If you cancel less than 4 calendar weeks before the retreat is due to take place then any refund will be at Rivendell’s discretion, depending on the circumstances.
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. The refund amount will still depend on whether we can fill your space.
Prices for this event are: £399 - £379 (Conc)