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.
Throwing out the Furniture - A retreat on the classic 6th Cen Poem 'Trust in Mind' by Seng-t’san
With Vajradarshini with Vimalabhandu
"The Great Way is not difficult
for those who have no preferences.
When love and hate are both absent
everything becomes clear and undisguised.
Make the smallest distinction, however,
and heaven and earth are set
infinitely apart.
If you wish to see the truth,
then hold no opinions for or
against anything.
To set up what you like against what
you dislike
is the disease of the mind."
- 'Trust in Mind' by Seng-t’san
The root of suffering is clinging. Non-clinging is the means to freedom. But how to realise this radical ‘letting go’ in our own lives? How do we learn to trust our deepest experience, to trust life itself? Reflecting on these themes, with Seng-t’san’s poem as a guide, we’ll explore the teachings on letting go.
For more information on Vajradarshini: www.redladderstudio.com
Limited places
Due to Covid-Secure government restrictions, this retreat can currently only accommodate 7 retreatants, each having their own single room (a ‘capped’ retreat). Should the government guidelines change and we are able to safely increase our numbers, then those on the waiting list will be given the opportunity to book first.
Concession information
Unfortunately, due to this requirement to restrict our retreat numbers we will not be able to offer a concessionary rate. This decision had to be made as Rivendell’s current financial situation is of great concern – we had to close for most of 2020 and this has had a seriously detrimental effect on our finances.
We will revisit this decision again if things change later in the year, and we are allowed to safely increase the numbers (with people sharing rooms again).
Change to cancellation policy
If you wish to cancel, we now require a minimum notice of 4 calendar weeks before a retreat is due to take place, in order that a refund will be possible. All deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable in any circumstances. If you cancel and we can't replace you, you will be required to pay half the total cost of the retreat. 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. It will still be on the basis that we can the fill your space.
However, if Rivendell has to cancel your retreat due to increased Covid restrictions, then you will be given the option of a refund, to transfer your money to another retreat, or to perhaps offer a donation.
Covid-Secure requirements
In addition to the confirmation email you will receive at the time of your booking, you will also be sent some Covid-Secure information about your stay at Rivendell. We have made many changes to ensure that Rivendell is Covid-Secure and we will only accept bookings on the basis that those who attend our retreats abide by the requirements of our Covid risk assessment.
NB Please be assured that should someone repeatedly ignore our Covid guidelines, we reserve the right to ask them to leave the retreat, with no refund, as potentially they will be putting others’ health at risk. We want those that come to Rivendell to be confident that we are making it as safe as possible.
Prices for this event are: £360