August 26-30, 2016
Weekend Option is available.
Freedom is attained though a series of choices, made day by day, moment by moment. According to the historical Buddha, absolute freedom is our birthright. Closer than the tip of our nose, it is our natural state, and by attaining it, we serve our own best interests as well as the greater good.
But in this world where stress, conflict, uncertainty and confusion are commonplace, a personal sense of freedom can be elusive and fleeting. First we must decide to make freedom our priority. Then, through patience, perseverance and practice, we must learn to observe how every choice we make shapes our reality, leading us nearer to or farther from our goal. As wisdom develops, the choice becomes easier till ultimately, freedom chooses itself!
In this retreat with Jonathan Chambers, from a foundation of Mahayana Buddhist view (aka the ‘Great Vehicle’), we will explore the nature of choice and freedom in the context of modern life through reflection, contemplation, and working with practices including meditation, mindfulness and yoga. Suitable for all. A weekend option is also available, but preference will be given to those attending the full retreat.
Course Fee
Full Course (Friday 26th evening till Weds 31st midday):
Member – $260 + dana
Non – $290 + dana
Weekend option (Friday 26th evening till Sunday 28th afternoon):
Member – $145 + dana
Non – $160 + dana
Please consider becoming a Wangapeka member – here are the details.
NOTE: The course fee covers accommodation, food, cooks fee and materials. It doesn’t include any payment to Jonathan for the teachings he will impart. In accordance with tradition, this is left up to each individual to gift according to their own means. Please bring cash for offering Dana.
About Dana or considered generosity.
Simply meaning donation or gift, Dana is a Buddhist teaching about generosity of spirit or the sharing of blessings, aspiring to generate health and goodwill in all the cycles of giving and receiving. Dana practice honours interdependence as a gift supporting the livelihood of the teacher and family. In turn, the teachings offered support you in meeting life with wisdom and compassion. Each participant arrives at the amount of Dana voluntarily. It is customary to offer Dana at the beginning of the retreat (there is a traditional bowl for this in the main hall). Giving prior to the teaching supports the experience of openness and generosity.
Contact Course Manager for more information: Louisa Stoneham – info@openbreath.org
Or to register please fill out our online registration form
About Jonathan Chambers
Jonathan has been practicing yoga, meditation and buddha-dharma since 2003 and teaching since 2011. His foundational practices have been Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga (in the tradition of Shri K. Pattabhi Jois) and vipassana meditation (in the tradition of S.N. Goenka). In 2013 he began working with the rich teachings and practices of Vajrayana and has more recently begun a study of Taoist energy arts including Qigong.
Jonathan’s main teacher of buddha-dharma (abhidhamma and vajrayana / dzogchen traditions) is Lama Mark Webber, whose root teacher was the Venerable Namgyal Rinpoche. His main yoga teacher was John Scott, who is a direct student of Pattabhi Jois. In addition, Jonathan has studied Qigong and Qigong Tui Na with Taoist lineage holder Bruce Frantzis. Jonathan has been given the blessing to teach dharma and meditation by Lama Webber and is a YA200 registered yoga teacher with the Yoga Alliance having completed teacher training with John Scott.
Jonathan lives in Nelson, New Zealand with his partner and two young children. He integrates a full family life with a dedication to the practice and teaching of a universal path of awakening.