I VOW … Harnessing the Power of Intention, with Bonni Ross
January 13 to 27, 2023
“Let me help you,” said monkey to fish. “If you stay under water,
you’ll drown!” And monkey lifts fish onto tree branch, exclaiming:
“There, she’ll be right mate!”
Powering all human actions of body, speech and mind there is motivation or intention, conscious or unconscious. The path of liberation begins with recognition that we are not free; we are blinded by conditioned trauma held in our bodies, negative emotional patterning and habitual mental process — ideas, beliefs and blind-spots.
In Buddhadharma, self-liberation vows are called Taking Refuge, the commitment to a life of healing through non-harming action, internally and externally. This vow is given with a snap of the fingers, quickly!
The vows of altruism develop from this, when we are able to see the suffering of the world with clarity, as the screens, filters and blinds of our own unhappiness lessen through practice. This promise, called the Bodhisattva Vow, is a subtle, long-term, internal process powered by our own deep commitment to practice and to realise the unconditioned, pure nature of consciousness through skilful cultivation of love and compassion. This vow has two aspects: aspiration (or relative) and implementation (or ultimate) Bodhicitta.
This retreat will explore the development of Aspiration Bodhicitta, supported by skilful meditation practice. There will be an opportunity to request or renew Refuge Vows and the Bodhisattva Vow for those who wish to.
This retreat is open to all, although some prior experience with focussed meditation on breath would be helpful. Good physical and mental health are necessary.
Please Note: This retreat is now FULLY BOOKED for room and hut accommodation. A Wait List is available for rooms and huts. Tent Sites are available for camping. Please contact the Course Manager, Jane Hobday for information about your options: jane.hobday17@gmail.com
Costs
Accommodation in a room or hut
Members $1250
Non members $1390
Camping
Members $998
Non members $1040
Costs include single room accommodation, meals, payment for the cook and a resource fee. It does not include dana to the teacher.
About dana
These priceless teachings can’t be quantified in monetary terms. Liberation teachings have always been given freely by Bonni.
An offering can be made to the teacher, traditionally at the beginning, and is a profound practice in itself. Giving can help us open; and through an open-hearted state of receptivity, we can find ourselves more able to receive.
Giving as generously as you can enables Bonni to continue sharing the precious Buddhadharma for the benefit of all.
About Bonni Ross
Bonni Ross has taught extensively at the Wangapeka over the last 30 years and is a deeply respected ‘Centre Elder ‘. She guides individuals in developing focused and skillful meditation and leads retreats for depth unfoldment.
Bonni began exploring the teachings of liberation in the early sixties. In the mid 70’s she met her principal teacher, Venerable Namgyal Rinpoche, whose direct, eclectic teaching and example are central to her life. Bonni teaches from a deep wealth of meditative experience. She communicates with sensitivity, creativity and humour in a way that resonates with each individual present.
Bonni is one of the founders of the dharmasphere collective and one of the visionaries behind the innovative project ‘2020 A Year of Clear Vision’.
She is inspired by ‘ordinary’ people who demonstrate exceptional courage and compassion in the midst of great suffering. Somewhat unexpectedly, Bonni now finds herself living in Nelson, and is currently deeply engaged in studying Maoritanga.
Information and Registration
This retreat is FULL. Please contact the course manager, Jane Hobday: jane.hobday17@gmail.com before registering for this retreat.
To register please fill out our online registration form
If using Paypal please add 5% of the total cost and include with your payment to cover Paypal’s fees.
Please consider becoming a Wangapeka member – click here for details.
Image from Timon Studler on Unsplash
