19 – 22 March | Led by Dhivan, Abhayadhara, Ketumati + Sudarshini
In 1995, a book appeared called Philosophy as a Way of Life, by Pierre Hadot, a French classics scholar. Hadot argued that ancient philosophy meant ‘love of wisdom’, a way of life resulting from an existential choice, involving a conversion of lifestyle and a transformation of the mind. The different philosophical schools – Platonism, Scepticism, Stoicism, Epicureanism – had different aims and different methods, but shared this practical concern with wisdom and transformation. Since then, Hadot’s revisioning of philosophy has been debated and extended, even to discussions of Indian and Buddhist philosophy.
During this Philosophy Symposium, we will discuss philosophy as a way of life, see how it changes our understanding of modern philosophy, and ask to what degree Buddhism can be seen as a philosophical way of life. There will be talks and discussion, music and walks, and the opportunity to live as a community of philosophers for a long weekend.
Image: Plato’s Academy Mosaic, 1st century BCE, Pompeii
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 3pm.
For: Anyone who has learnt Triratna meditation - Mixed
Start date: 19th Mar 2027
End date: 22nd Mar 2027
Event Type: Residential
Price: Standard £205 | Concession £155 | Financial Assistance £110
Please note that the payment includes a non-refundable and non-transferrable deposit of £50.
Bursary Fund: Help those who can't afford to come on retreat
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Go to our Bursary Fund page