THE HUMAN IMPERATIVE:
longing to be free from suffering, and established in happiness
BONNI ROSS
with
Matthew Eades, Jane Hobday and Graham Sandlant
This silent retreat is an opportunity for both beginners and experienced meditators to receive instruction in the Buddha’s fundamental Samatha/Vipassana method and to practice, as is traditional, in community.
This profound, integrated meditation process, when undertaken skilfully, leads naturally through the purification stages of calm (samatha) to the developmental clarity of insight/wisdom (vipassana.) Success is determined by the quality of effort made by each individual, supported by clear instruction, opportunity to question and the synergy of the whole.
We will begin with four daily sessions of formal group practice for the first two weeks. (Of course, practitioners are advised to also practice on their own when time permits.) In week three, there will be an option for a few who wish to experience a taste of solitary retreat to do so. In the final week the collective will reform.
This retreat will be predominantly silent. In addition to meditation instruction, individual and group practice and opportunity to ask questions, there will be time to immerse ourselves in the supportive natural environment of the Wangapeka.
Participants must be in good physical and mental condition, ready for the inner and outer challenges of the practice and the Wangapeka land.
An option to attend for the first two weeks of the retreat may be offered. This option will happen if there is space available. If you are interested in this, please do not register for the retreat, but contact the Course Manager and ask to be placed on the list for the two week option.
About Bonni Ross
Bonni Ross has taught at the Wangapeka Study and Retreat Centre for 30 years and is a deeply respected Centre Elder. The Dharma teachings she shares, both in the community and through leading meditation retreats, stem from decades of meditation experience and intensive study with her main teacher Namgyal Rinpoche. Encouragement from His Holiness the 16th Karmapa, teachings from many great Buddhist masters, as well as innovative artists, scientists, philosophers and mystery writers have fuelled the quest. With her partner, Matthew Eades, she founded the Sunshine Coast Retreat Centre in 2002 before moving to Nelson in 2017 where she has initiated, guided and supported a wide range of innovative ways to share teachings of liberation. Bonni is a mother and grandmother with a deeply practical, integrated presentation of ancient wisdom.
Costs
Costs includes accommodation in a single room, meals, cooks fee and resource fee. It does not include dana to the teacher.
Rooms and huts
Members: $2686
Non members: $2966
Camping
Members: $2098
Non members: $2182
The Sangha Support Fund may be able to help with accommodation costs in cases of financial hardship. Sangha Support information.
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 of the retreat, 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.
Information and Registration
For questions please contact the Course Manager Graham Sandlant graham.ento@gmail.com
To register please fill out our online registration form
Please consider becoming a Wangapeka member – click here for details.
Picture credit: Trophim Lapteff on Unsplash