Gender Diverse Sangha Retreat: Embarking on the Bodhisattva Path

28 – 31 August | led by Aryarakshita, Nagakusala, Shraddhasiddhi + Pasadini

This retreat is for anyone who is an Order Member or Mitra in Triratna (we are also open to people who are thinking of becoming mitras – by invite only). By gender diverse we mean all gender diverse people, including trans, non-binary, intersex, gender fluid, gender non-conforming, and gender questioning. 

Our retreat this year will explore The Path of the Bodhisattva, and will look at the Bodhicaryavatara, a deeply loved text in Triratna, This was written in the 8th century by Shantideva, but his exhortations and sound advice remain relevant to spiritual practitioners today. 

We will specifically focus on the first three chapters of the text, with its focus on connecting with the bodhichitta, the heart-mind intent on awakening to best work for the liberation of others.  These chapters awaken the inspiration and devotion needed for the work explored in the rest of the text, to develop the qualities necessary to walk the path, and as the path itself. 

We will connect with three themes which arise from these chapters: Lighting the Spark; Clearing the Path; and Committing to the Good.  We will explore how these relate to us individually as well as collectively when they are alive and shared in a spiritual community. 

The retreat theme will be explored through dharma input, talks, small group discussions, artistic expression, ritual practice, reflection and meditation. Please join us!