Click here to download Information and Booking Form for 2010 (pdf format)

THE PATH OF UNDERSTANDING

An exploration of the sutras in the light of our own experience

This is the fourth Dharma Training Programme run by the UK Community of Interbeing. It will run from January 2009 to April 2010. It is intended for anyone with some experience of the practice, as taught by Thich Nhat Hanh, who wishes to develop their understanding further and to share it with others. Participants are expected to be members of the UK Community of Interbeing (ie subscribers to ‘Here and Now') or to join at the time of registration. The programme will allow us to deepen our understanding of the Buddha's teachings, and the practice of mindfulness in the context of a series of retreats with a committed sangha. Because we practise for each other, and ourselves the solid base we build together will give us the stability, joy and confidence to go out and share the fruits of this understanding with the wider community.

The programme for 2010 programme consists of two retreats - one weekend, which is duplicated in different parts of the country, and one five-day retreat to be held in Dorset. Participation in all or some of the programme is possible. We hope that many who apply will be able to attend all the programme. This will help build the community of trainees, and give a sense of continuity in the retreats. The retreats and programme will be co-ordinated by the UK Dharmacharyas Martin Pitt, Murray Corke and Jane Coatesworth as well as core community and other members of the UK Sangha. One or two of the Dharmacharyas will lead the retreats.

The dates and venues are as follows:

RETREAT 4 : Title: Concentration (samadhi) – The forth of the five powers of Buddhism

Either 4a . 15th – 17th January 2010 (Friday evening to Sunday pm) New Barn, Dorset.

Or 4b. 19th – 21st February 2010 (Friday evening to Sunday pm) Kilgraston,Perthshire

Or 4c. 5th – 12th March 2010 (Friday evening to Sunday pm) Chagford, Devon.

RETREAT 5 : Title: Wisdom (prajna) – The fifth of the five powers of Buddhism

6 th April – 11 th April 2010 (Tuesday evening to Sunday lunchtime) New Barn, Dorset.

RETREAT PROGRAMME

The Dharma Training Programme aims to enable the Sangha to strengthen and deepen . For each retreat a sutra will be chosen as a basis for training which participants are invited to study in advance . It is anticipated that the following areas of practice will also be part of the overall retreat programme: Formal sitting and walking meditation, Outdoor walking meditation, Deep relaxation, Noble silence, Use of bells, Beginning Anew, Gathas for mindfulness in daily living Touching the Earth, Mindful speaking and listening, Chanting, Conscious breathing, Use of the Peace Treaty.

COST OF THE RETREATS

The cost is outlined in the booking form below and has been kept as low as possible. Most accommodation is simple, and shared. Catering will be planned with simplicity and cost in mind. It will not be possible to cater for special dietary requirements – all food will be simple and free from meat and dairy products.  

WORKING MEDITATION

Retreatants will be asked to take responsibility (with others) for preparing meals. Periods of working meditation will be built into our daily practice. Sangha members local to the retreat venue will be asked to contribute to the administration of the retreat where possible.  

OTHER ACTIVITIES

We welcome your contributions to the retreat, your willingness to bring your talents and enthusiasm, and to create opportunities to share music, poetry, dance, artwork, country walks, yoga, jogging, or other activities. In addition to the retreats it is hoped to establish resources (web site, printed information etc) to support the programme and to provide other activities for participants to communicate, meet and practice outside of the retreats themselves. Please use the space on the form to indicate any specific contributions you could make.

BOOKING DETAILS

Bookings will be taken on a first come first served basis. Numbers are limited therefore applying early is advisable.

You may book retreats one by one, or several together.Please complete the booking form below and return it, with 2 stamped addressed envelopes if you do not have email, to:

The Dharma Training Programme, 2 Denham Court, Martlesham Heath, Suffolk, IP5 3TF.

Contact details: Phone 01473 626615 (after 6.00 pm), email: dharma.training@interbeing.org.uk

  Click here to download Information and Booking Form 2010(pdf format)

Previous Retreats

 RETREAT 1 : Title: Faith (saddha) – The first of the five powers of Buddhism

Either 1a . 30 th January – 1 st February 2009 (Friday evening to Sunday pm) New Barn, Dorset.

Or 1b. 27 th February – 1 st March 2009 (Friday evening to Sunday pm) Unstone Grange, Derbyshire.

RETREAT 2 : Title: Mindfulness (sati) – The third of the five powers of Buddhism

14 th April – 19 th April 2009 (Tuesday evening to Sunday lunchtime) New Barn, Dorset.

RETREAT 3 : Title: Energy (viriya) – The second of the five powers of Buddhism

Either 3a. 9 th October – 11 th October 2009 (Friday evening to Sunday pm) Unstone Grange, Derbyshire.

Or 3b 9 th October – 11 th October 2009 (Friday evening to Sunday pm) New Barn, Dorset.