Dhamma Diary

This is the programme for 2008. For more information and the booking form go to the Bhavana Dhamma site. For photos click here.

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WEEKEND RETREATS

These begin at 6:30pm on the Friday and finish on the Sunday at around 4:30 pm.

EIGHT DAY RETREATS

These begin at 2pm on the Saturday and finish on the Sunday at around 3 pm.

NOTE: WE HAVE CHANGED THE JULY AND AUGUST 8 DAY RETREATS TO WEEKEND ONES.

1. 22 - 24 Feb. W/E
2. 28 - 30 Mar. W/E
3. 3 - 11 May 8 DAY
4. 13 - 15 Jun. W/E (Waiting  List)
   
5. 11 - 13 Jul. W/E
6. 16 - 24 Aug. 8 DAY
7. 19 - 21 Sept. W/E
8. 10 - 12 Oct. W/E
9. 7 - 9 Nov. W/E
10. 5 - 7 Dec. W/E
11. 27 Dec. - 4 Jan. 09 8 DAY

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SERVICE

There are many opportunities to help us run the retreats!

ANY BUDDING RETREAT MANAGERS?

Contact me for more info: enquiries@foresthermitage.org.uk 01926 624564

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RETREAT INFORMATION

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MEDITATION

The practice here is that of Samatha-Vipassana - concentration and insight. During sitting meditation we focus our minds on the breath (anapanasati), and during walking meditation we concentrate on the the sensations at the soles of the feet as we walk back and forth on the meditation path. At all times we try to develop the four foundations of mindfulness (satipatthana), being mindful and aware of our body, our feelings, our mind, and of the Buddha’s Teachings.

ACCOMMODATION

This is mostly in shared rooms.

NOBLE SILENCE

You are asked to not engage in any talking unless it is really necessary. Questions can be written down and put in the question box. These will be answered during the meditation sessions.

ONE MEAL A DAY

In line with the original Thai Forest Tradition only one meal a day is eaten. This rule encourages simplicity and contentment with little and it gives us more time in which to meditate. Also, you should avoid using milk, soya milk, Ovaltine and Horlicks outside of meal time.

READING

Reading books is avoided while on retreat at Bhavana Dhamma.

MOBILE PHONES

To avoid distraction we ask you to hand in your mobile phones on arrival. They will be kept safely until the end of the retreat.

EIGHT PRECEPTS
Retreat participants live by the eight precepts, these are to abstain from: killing; stealing; unchaste behaviour; lying; using alcohol and drugs; eating after noon; listening to music and entertainments, and wearing jewellery and makeup; and using high and luxurious seats and beds.

5:30am: Wake-up bell.
6:00: Morning sitting.
7:00: Tea, wash etc.
8:00: Work period.
8:40: Meditation (walking and sitting) and Dhamma Talk.
11:00: Meal, clean up, break.
1:20: Meditation (walking and sitting with a tea break).
5:40: Break and hot drink.
6:40: Meditation (walking and sitting).
8:00: Evening sitting and Dhamma Talk.
9:15: Free time.

EVERYONE ATTENDING IS EXPECTED TO COMPLETE THE WHOLE RETREAT

There is no charge for attending retreats. However, participants are welcome to offer donations as it is through these that we are able to keep both the Forest Hermitage and Bhavana Dhamma going and provide these retreat opportunities.

OTHER INFORMATION

If you can bring a sleeping bag and pillow case please do. We can provide if this is a problem.

You will also need towels and toiletries; waterproofs just in case (including reasonably shower proof footwear); comfortable shoes for doing walking meditation in; decent socks (shoes aren’t worn indoors); comfortable and loose fitting clothing to meditate in; and a torch.