25 Oct – 1 nov | Led by Saddhanandi
Unskilful states always seek to drive the wedge of self-interest between things, obstructing the flow of life with the thought of our own benefit or gain.
The Karaniya Metta Sutta is a rich text with a simplicity that disguises its depth and profundity. In an intimate context we will use this retreat to go deeper into that richness, unfolding the text’s principal themes and enabling an entry into its spiritual world. Through discussion, meditation and enquiry we will reveal the text’s relevance, both in our everyday experience and our deeper spiritual life.
Sangharakshita’s commentary unfolds as a full mind-training text with an overarching vision: ‘the defining characteristic of skilful action, speech, or thought is its freedom from narrow self-interest’. Taking this as the main ‘slogan’ we will explore the text in light of Bhante’s presentation, using our time together to reflect on our personal understanding of ethics, love, and on our particular ‘wedge of self-interest’.
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 travelling on public transport, please book a train after 11am.
The deposit for all our events is non-refundable and non-transferable under all circumstances. For this event, the deposit is £70.
For: Order Members
Start date: 25th Oct 2024
End date: 1st Nov 2024
Event Type: Residential
Price: Standard £325 | Concession £265 | Financial Assistance £210
Non-refundable deposit: £70 (included in prices above)
Bursary Fund: Help those who can't afford to come on retreat
You're invited to donate to enable individuals experiencing financial hardship to attend events with bursary places.
Go to our Bursary Fund page