Hermitage of the Awakened Heart

The Hermitage is Lama Shenpen's home and a place where students can come for individual or group retreats.

From the time of the Buddha the sense of sacred space and places to go in order to link into the adhistana of the Buddha have been central to the tradition. A sacred place is a place with auspicious connections that make it conducive to Awakening. When we go to sacred places, we do so in order to link into the Dharmata in a direct and simple way. Such places, like the Hermitage of the Awakened Heart, are meeting places where stories connect and deep meaning can emerge.

The Hermitage is primarily Lama Shenpen's residence or labrang. However, since she generously decided to open it up for individual and group retreats, students are able to make a living connection with the place. However, even just to know this place is here and to think of it, rejoicing in the good done here, is to participate and make a connection with its adhistana even if one never actually makes it here in person.

The Hermitage is a quiet place surrounded by wooded lanes with little traffic and few dwellings, where the people are open and friendly with a welcoming attitude towards the Dharma. 

His Holiness Khyentse Rinpoche told Lama Shenpen and Lama Rigdzin Shikpo to find a place in Wales-and the Hermitage is in the centre of the area he designated. Khenpo Rinpoche came to visit and bless the Hermitage just a couple of days after we moved in. He gave it the name  Changchub Dzong - the fortress of the Awakened Heart, which is the name of one of the caves sacred to Milarepa. There are cromlechs and an ancient sacred well within an hours walking distance. All this makes this place feel special.

If you would like to visit the Hermitage, email hermitage@ahs.org.uk .