Nov 1 – 3 – Aio Wira Residential Retreat, Auckland
A Path of Healing for the Modern World
Practical Tantra and Deep Ecology
For more information refer to the description above, entitled, Auckland Teachings and Explorations for 2013
contact Janet: janete1 [at] ihug.co [dot] nz
or Mobile: 021 298 1242
November 23 – Dec 11, Tasmania, Australia
Teachings in Hobart and Devonport; Retreat at Dorjeling
Hobart talks and explorations
Sat and Sun 23 – 24, 9:30 am – 12noon
“Living, Learning and Loving – A Way of Authenticity, Presence and Radical Inclusivity”
Mon 25, 7:30pm – “Deep Ecology and Buddhadharma”
Tues 26, 7:30 pm – “A Life of Wisdom and Compassion – teaching for the sadhana of Chenrezi”
Wed 27, 7:30 pm – “The Inner Essence of Mahamudra”
contact Ross, ross.coward [at] gmail [dot] com
Dorjeling Retreat Centre, Lorinna
Nov. 29 – Dec. 8, 2013 residential retreat – see the description below
contact Ross, ross.coward [at] gmail [dot] com
Dec 8 – 10 Nature explorations while tramping at Cradle Mountain
contact Ross, ross.coward [at] gmail [dot] com
Devonport
Wed Dec 11, an evening teaching and meditative exploration
contact Pavitra, pavitrabirman [at] hotmail [dot] com
Dorjeling Retreat Nov 29 – Dec 8
Easeful Presence and Lucid Observation
the inner essence of mahamudra
the heart of natural awakening
Easeful presence and lucid observation lie at the heart of all awakening practice. In Buddhist traditions, they are called samatha and vipassana.
Samatha is the soft, passive, accepting, loving, healing, accommodating, allowing aspect of each moment. Vipassana is the sharp, active, questioning, discerning, awake, aspect. Samatha facilitates our sense of unity. Vipassana facilitates our sense of diversity. The two in union brings us to the simultaneous understanding of the infinite diversity and the profound unity of all that exists.
Mahamudra is a name given to the Buddhist path of natural awakening. Although commonly associated with Tibetan teachings, its ancestry goes back to traditions of contemplative science and yoga found in ancient India which themselves drew inspiration from a diversity of religious sources. Luminous with the recognition of the interdependence of all manifestation, mahamudra teaching utilizes myriad aspects of dharma exploration including investigations into mind, consciousness and perception while at the same time developing skilful and compassionate ways, of participating in the unfolding community of all life. This is deep ecology, in action. It is what I am. It is what you are. It is a path and practice of natural awakening in action.
During this retreat we will cultivate the ancient arts of loving-kindness and clear-seeing presence and enquiry. We will explore how bodies and minds of myriad species weave together a mystery suffused with nowful intelligence. We will draw on the mindfulness teachings of Buddhism and the wisdom teachings of radical wholeness found in the Avatamsaka Sutra, and mesh them with natural science, personal healing and social responsibility to find a way of living, that in this age of economic/ecological anxiety and uncertainty, is wondrously inclusive, joyously life affirming and profoundly freeing.
contact Ross, ross.coward [at] gmail [dot] com
Jan. 3rd, 2014 – Jan. 7th
Orgyen Hermitage and Rolling Cloud Gallery
Blowing Zen Retreat
music and musing, authenticity and presence, craftmanship and observation
with Kelvin and Tarchin
During these 5 days, you will make a bamboo Shakuhachi flute. New people will learn to play them and those with more experience will be able to deepen their appreciation for this simple yet profound path of unfoldment.
for further information contact Kelvin: tusciafalconer [at] kinect.co [dot] nz
January 26. 2014 – Feb 7, Great Barrier Island, NZ
Walking in Wisdom – an exploration of ecology, meditation and living dharma
“Wisdom is not a knowledge of ultimate facts or truth, but an ever deepening process of understanding and life enhancing connectivity and communion. We radically intermingle; cells and organs, minds and bodies, creatures and communities, beings and environments, the so called animate and the so called inanimate. We are all in this together and our togetherness is the basis and background of all meaningful religious practice.” T.H.
Great Barrier Island is one New Zealand’s little known eco-jewels. This thirteen day living exploration will be a retreat on the move: walking, camping, snorkeling, immersed in the natural world while exploring the arts of ecology, meditation and living dharma. Each day, there will be classes, communal meditation, periods of silent practice and lots of exploration of this island paradise.
Preliminary Program
The walks are moderate and walking times 3-4 hours per day. We are planning to stay 2-3 nights at each department of conservation camp site. These are equipped with drinking water, basic cold showers and long drop toilets. We will need to cook our shared meals. Great Barrier Island eco experiences are likely to support our retreat with local food supply, tents (including bedroll) and transport of heavy goods between sites. Each tent sleeps four people. Participants would need to have a good level of fitness and health and bring their own tramping gear (boots, pack, sleeping bag, rain gear).
We will start our journey in Port Fitzroy which is accessed by Fullers Ferry (around 120,- return from Auckland) and our first camp will be nearby at the Akapoua site. There are several day-walk options to explore the area. From Akapoua we will tramp to Kaiaraara hut for an overnight stay and further to Whangapoua estuary via the spectacular windy canon. Following the Okiwi coastal track we will then venture to Harotonga Bay one of the most beautiful and remote places on the Island. Our travels will then proceed to “the Green campsite” near Whangaparapara harbour using the well graded Tramline track. We will stop for a bath in the natural hot pools on the way. This is our last destination before returning to Port Fitzroy. click here for a map of Great Barrier Island
We are currently negotiating prices which will be in the range of $700-900 NZD for 12 nights, excluding transport to and from the Island. Only food and accommodation are included in this price. Tarchin and Mary entirely live of Dana and your generosity will be appreciated!
Depending on numbers it may be possible to join for parts of the retreat.
For further information and to register please contact Catrin: catrins.guenther [at] gmail [dot] com
March 14 – 30, Melbourne, Australia
topic to be announced