2 – 7 FEB | Led by Paramartha
‘…I am glad there was a flaw in my ordination ceremony, glad that really I was not ordained, glad that technically I was never a bhikkhu, for in the long run this contributed more to my spiritual development, and more to my understanding of the Dharma, than any amount of correctness and technicality could have done’
We will explore the nature of Triratna ordinations beyond the limitations of technicalities: an unfolding of Sangharakshita’s understanding into a more radical approach to a Dharma life, ‘based not on what one believes about oneself but on what one knows, even if what one knows is no more than the simple fact that one suffers.’
Forty-Three Years Ago was written to coincide with the twenty-fifth anniversary of the founding of the Western Buddhist Order in 1993. Although the starting point for these reflections concerned the validity (or otherwise) of Sangharakshita’s bhikkhu ordination. He says ‘it being technically correct or not pointed to something more radical which was of spiritual concern to me’.
Paramartha
One of Sangharakshita’s closest friends, Paramatha lived with him for many years, including during Bhante’s time at Adhisthana. He now lives close by, and brings his wealth of knowledge and personal connection to the Teaching Community, handing on a part of Sangharakshita’s legacy that few others could do.
Seminar Retreats offer an intimate setting to look in-depth at Bhante’s exposition of key texts, bring us closer to the mind behind the teaching, and understand their relevance to our lives and practice. Places are very limited so book early.
Reception is from 4pm on the day of arrival, with the retreat beginning with supper at 6pm.
While you’re here you will be participating in communal life. This includes meditating with everyone on site in the main shrine room in the morning, taking part in daily tasks and at the end of your retreat you will help us to prepare the retreat centre for the next group to join us.
With this in mind, the retreat will finish after the clear-up, so if traveling on public transport, please book a train after 11am.
For: Dharmacharis
Start date: 2nd Feb 2025
End date: 7th Feb 2025
Event Type: Residential
Price: Standard £210 | Concession £175 | Financial Assistance £140
Please note that the payment includes a non-refundable and non-transferrable deposit of £70.
Bursary Fund: Help those who can't afford to come on retreat
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Go to our Bursary Fund page