photo by Monica Max West, True Aspiration of the Heart: Buddha in Upper Hamlet, Plum Village France
The retreat is suitable for those with an established understanding of mindfulness and a regular meditation practice. The retreat will include:
- Opportunities to practice guided and silent sitting meditations, walking meditation, mindful eating and noble silence;
- Opportunities to learn from others through dharma sharing and exploration;
- Dharma teaching from UK Dharma Teachers.
We encourage you to read the Discourse on Knowing the Better Way to Live Alone’ in preparation for the Retreat.
“Living alone” means having sovereignty over ourselves, to have freedom that comes from not being dragged away by the past, not living in fear of the future, and not being pulled around by strong emotions caused by the circumstances of the present. When we are master of ourselves, we grasp the situation as it is, and we are in the best position to handle whatever may arise.
Thich Nhat Hanh, in Awakening the Heart
About the Dharma Training Program
Originally the DTP was seen as a training programme for those practitioners who wanted to deepen their practice as a group. People were encouraged to sign up to all three DTP sessions in a year so that a sangha could be created amongst participants and spiritual friendships nurtured during these retreats. We would like to encourage you to consider the programme in this way in 2024 if that is possible for you.
The Dharma Training Programme operates in England over a weekend in February, a long weekend in May and a five day retreat in October. We would be delighted to welcome you at all three. Additionally, every other year there is a DTP retreat in Scotland, offering a further option.
Upcoming dates for the remainder of 2024 are as follows:
24-27th May | Brierley Retreat Centre, Yorkshire
Discourse on the Better Way to Live Alone
Facilitated by UK Dharma teachers Murray Corke and Angie Searle
24-28th October | Sidcot School, Somerset
Discourse on the Diamond that Cuts Through Illusion
Facilitated by UK Dharma teachers Dene Donalds and Teri West
17-20th October | Kilgraston School, Bridge of Earn, Perthshire
Cultivating the Mind of Love
Facilitated by UK Dharma teachers Mhairi (Vari) McLuskie and Susanne Olbrich
