Retreats and Events

 

2010 Calendar 

The Awakened Heart Sangha runs regular non-residential courses and residential retreats that are open to everyone, whether you are just making a tentative exploratory visit or whether you have been studying and practising for years. These events offer the opportunity to come together to practise intensively, to receive teachings from Lama Shenpen or other teachers, and to share mutual inspiration and support.

If you would like to book a London Weekend event please email gail@ahs.org.uk

If you would like to book a retreat at the Hermitage please email anne@ahs.org.uk

Dates for your Diary

London Weekends: 

 This year we are completing the second half of our study of the 'Jewel Ornament of Liberation' by Gampopa. The purpose of focusing on this 12th century text is to understand how the training in the DHB fits in with the traditional framework of the Mahayana teachings. This year we are focusing on the Bodhisattva path and its basis in loving kindness and not clinging to views.  I strongly encourage students who wish to attend the June retreat to attend as many of the St Mary's weekends as they can in order to train in the spirit of the path before going more deeply into its nature and its fruition. There will be an on-line course for the first half of the text for those who missed it last year or who wish to repeat it as well as an on-line course on the second half for those who wish to prepare for the retreat whether they are able to attend it or not.

For more details of the events listed below, click "London Weekends" on the left menu. 

 

16-17 January

Maitri; The way of Loving Kindness.

Can we meet our experience with unconditional acceptance and friendliness?

13-14 March

Earth, Gold, Moon;  Training in Bodhicitta.

Join us as we explore what bodhicitta means and how we can open our hearts.

22-23 May

Six Paramitas; Instructions for Aspiring Bodhisattvas.

Start to explore each of the six paramitas, the way they all fit and work together and also some possible ways of applying them in our own lives.

12-13 June

Sangha Celebration; With Lama Shenpen.

This is a joyful weekend!  It is when we renew our vows and take new vows.   If you would like to take Refuge or the Bodhisattva vow with Lama Shenpen please email at paul@ahs.org.uk

 

 

 

The Spirit of Attending Teaching Events and Retreats

By being present, each person helps to create the occasion and is the means by which the power of the truth is drawn down into the world. Our genuine wish to know the truth draws it to us and something happens. It is not just the passing on of information. It is a live situation that we all play a part in creating. At whatever level we understand and receive the truth, we are bringing that truth into the world and we are the ones who can then live it and make it real for ourselves and others.In addition, Awakened Heart Sangha events provide an opportunity to share inspiration and support with others on the Path. Often we have nobody in our daily lives with whom to talk about Dharma, and it can be hard to maintain our confidence in the underlying truth of the Dharma when we find ourselves in a largely secular, Western culture which views truth and reality in a very different way. So fellow travellers on the Path become important sources of support and inspiration. This is what a Sangha is all about--encouraging and supporting each other, giving and receiving.

For more details of the events listed below, see "Group Retreats in Wales" on the left menu. 

The Hermitage;

17-24 June  

'Jewel Ornament of Liberation' by Gampopa. 

This week we will be completing the second half of our study of this rich 12th century text.

26-2 Aug/Sept

Discovering the Heart of Buddhism 2.

Following on from DHB 1 last summer, Lama Shenpen helps us to explore DHB deeply and experience living it in our daily lives.  Whilst it is obviously better to be studying DHB already, it is not essential.  If you have been thinking about signing up for the course this is a great oportunity to see what you would be embarking on.

18th November - 16th December

This is a great opportunity to spend a month in retreat at the Hermitage.  Details will follow shortly.