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.
"Through the ordinary state of being, we’re already creators in the most profound way, creating our experience of reality and composing the world we perceive.” -Rick Ruben
This year’s Everyone is an Artist retreat will explore the theme of wabi-sabi. Leonard Koren beautifully describes wabi-sabi as “a beauty of things imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete. A beauty of things modest and humble. A beauty of things unconventional.” But wabi-sabi is not just an aesthetic; it is a way of being—a philosophy that invites us to embrace the tenderness of imperfection and find profound beauty in the ordinary and ephemeral.
Rooted in Japanese culture, wabi-sabi teaches us to cherish the fleeting, the worn, and the understated, reminding us that life’s most precious moments are often found in simplicity. It encourages us to see the magic in everyday rituals, whether it’s savoring a cup of tea, observing the changing seasons, or tending to small creative acts.
During this retreat, we’ll deepen our connection to wabi-sabi through Buddhist teachings, meditation, and reflective practices. Together, we’ll explore the intersection of the Dharma life and a life of creativity, uncovering how these paths intertwine and enrich one another. This journey will help us cultivate mindfulness, gratitude, and a renewed appreciation for the imperfect beauty of the world around us.
While the focus will not be on producing large-scale artworks, this retreat welcomes you to engage in small-scale creative practices. Feel free to bring materials like pens, pencils, thread, needles, or a camera—simple tools that allow you to capture fleeting moments or express your inner reflections. Whether you sketch, stitch, or simply observe, this retreat offers an opportunity to honour the beauty of process over perfection and celebrate creativity as a mindful, everyday act.
Vajradarshini is known for her down to earth approach to Dharma practice. She draws widely on the Buddhist tradition and on contemporary art and culture, weaving them together to create engaging and enjoyable retreats. You can expect a week of reflection and meditation, with some long periods of silence.
For more information on Vajradarshini: (https://www.redladderstudio.com/)
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)