West London Buddhist Centre

Weekend Retreat at Othona: From pain to compassion

Published in Calendar for all events, Meditation Events, Retreats, Sangha Events

  • Fri Sep 20th 2024
  • Sun Sep 22nd 2024
  • 7:00 pm
  • 3:00 pm
  • Booking required
  • £260/£180/£150 (camping only)

weekend retreat green with hand reaching out
The image of a hand reaching out helps us connect those two powerful qualities in life: pain and compassion. Whether it’s physical, emotional or existential pain, compassion for self and other can soften, release and even transform our suffering in connection with others.

Join Amalavajra and Maitripushpa as they explore some Buddhist teachings around how we can turn towards the reality of our daily experience. And possibly turn it around as well!

We will be joined by the wisdom and compassion of the bodhisattva Green Tara with whom Amalavajra has a strong connection.

A retreat is a great opportunity to take a break from our regular routine and create more space in both our inner and outer lives. Spending time in the countryside, we can connect with nature and enjoy the positive conditions that arise as we come together as a community, practising together, sharing meals, sharing talks and sharing walks with others on the retreat. Listen here to Amalavajra talking about the benefit of going on retreat.

The programme will include talks, meditation, reflection and discussion as well as some chanting and ritual. Weather permitting, we will also do some meditations outside, including periods of walking meditation and standing meditation. There will be plenty of free time to go for walks or chat over a cup of tea with others on the retreat.

We are delighted to be returning to Othona Retreat Centre in Essex.

A camping option is available. You must bring all of your own camping equipment.

You can travel by train to Southminster from London Liverpool Street then by taxi. Suggested times are:

dep 15.33 arrives Southminster 16.46

OR

16.22 arrives Southminster 17.36

For those wishing to take either of these trains we can arrange a shared taxi to pick you up from the station. Please get in touch if you’d like to book a place in a taxi. Costs will be shared by retreatants.

Book Here

AmalavajraMaitripushpa with stone dragon

Amalavajra (l) and Maitripushpa (r)

Booking

The easiest way to book is online - just click the button below.

Please make sure you have read all the details of the event, have made sure you are eligible to attend (eg for 'going deeper' events) and are willing to make any commitments that are required.

Bookings are fully refundable up to 7 days in advance. After that we cannot usually offer refunds.

Book Online

You can also book in person at the Centre, or by sending a cheque payable to West London Buddhist Centre along with your name, email and phone number and the name and date of the event to:

The West London Buddhist Centre,

45a Porchester Rd,

London W2 5DP

Please include your name, email and phone number with your booking.

Settle and connect to something bigger on our Friday devotional evening (2nd and 4th Friday). Next 8 November. Just drop in.

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