About this gathering
MEETING OUR LIVES WITH LOVE — If we're interested in freedom, peace, or a deeper sense of wellbeing, the Buddhist teachings point us somewhere surprisingly simple: look at how we're relating to our experience. What is happening to us in any moment is of course significant, but even more important is how we meet that. Whilst some ways of relating tend to bring contraction and difficulty, others open the heart and mind to greater ease, warmth, and possibility.
Mindful 'bare attention' and metta (often translated 'loving-kindness' or 'boundless friendliness') are two such skillful ways of relating. On this retreat we'll practise with both of these approaches, whilst also placing them within a wider field of possible 'ways of looking' that can lead to a freer and more spacious sense of life.
Over the weekend we will practise both in stillness and in movement (as much as each body allows), and there will be meditation guidance, dharma talks, and plenty of time for questions. Outside of these times, the weekend will be held in companionable silence. All levels of experience welcome.
About the teacher — Mark began practising meditation in 2008 and spent the following four years living and working in retreat centres and monasteries around the UK and Asia. Motivated to make these precious teachings more widely accessible and available, in 2013 he co-founded Freely Given Retreats and soon afterwards pioneered taking mindfulness courses into UK prisons. In more recent years Mark has been especially engaged with environmental and social justice issues. He was a close student of the late Rob Burbea.
Arrivals 3–5pm Friday 11th September. Retreat ends at 4pm on Sunday 13th September. Retreat cost is €270 per person and includes full board and lodging (please note accommodation might involve sharing a room with one or two other retreatants). All meals will be vegan for the duration of the retreat.
Getting here — for those considering travelling from the UK, ferries from Fishguard and Pembroke docks in Wales travel daily to Rosslare Port in County Wexford, Ireland.
On dana — Mark is dedicated to studying, practising, and sharing the Dharma. In line with a tradition that stretches all the way back to the Buddha, Mark gives all of his teaching and support freely, and is wholly reliant on the generosity of others for his livelihood. At the end of the retreat there will be an opportunity to offer a donation to Mark, if you would like to support him to live and teach in this way. The upfront fee for the retreat covers your food and accommodation and Mark's travel expenses only.
About the hosts — this retreat has been organised by the Wexford Sangha, a meditation community based in County Wexford, Ireland, aligned with the Insight Meditation tradition as practised at Gaia House retreat centre in Devon, UK. Danu Lodge provides the container: the woodland setting, vegetarian meals, twin and single rooms, and a quiet room that has held meditation groups for many years.
Join us — to find out more and/or book your place on the retreat please contact Matt at matt.york@tuta.io.
