Diary of Events

Bookings are now being taken for the FWBO International Retreat atTaraloka, 22nd - 26th May 2008. There will be people going from the Croydon Centre; if you are interested please go to www.internationalretreat.fwbo.org

The events below are in addition to our courses and regular classes.

Events marked with * should be booked for by using our online booking form, by emailing or by calling 020 8688 8624

Sunday 18 May 11-5
Buddha Day
A festival day celebrating the life of the Buddha, open to all

Sunday 8 June 12-5
Climbing the refuge tree – 2
A day for women who have asked for ordination

Sunday 15 June 11-5
Amitabha Day *
Exploring the realm of the Buddha of infinite love through meditation, visualisation, ritual and discussion
Led by Amarapuspa
Cost: £20 (£14 concessions)

Sunday 22 June
Exploring Our Personal Mandala (Relationships)
Event for men led by Dhammavijaya

Sunday 29 June 11-5
Introductory Day Retreat *
Introduction to meditation and some basic Buddhist teachings
Cost: £20 (£14 concessions)

Sunday 20 July 11-5
Dharma Day
A festival day celebrating the Buddha’s teachings, open to all

Advance notice!

FWBO International Retreat: Thursday 22nd May to Monday 26th May 2008

FWBO Buddhist Centres from across Europe are joining forces next year in a new venture – the International FWBO Retreat.

In previous years, we have celebrated the FWBO in the UK with a day festival. In 2008, we are doing something different – the FWBO International Retreat. This will be a large gathering of people from all over the FWBO, coming together to practice and celebrate the Dharma over a long bank holiday weekend in May.

Many of the FWBO’s best and most experienced teachers will be there to teach meditation, give talks, and lead rituals. The event will be an inspiration for someone on his or her first retreat. Likewise, for those who’ve already been on many retreats, this will be a great opportunity to experience the magic of practising together in large numbers and to experience the greater FWBO Sangha.

Teachers...

So far, the list of confirmed teachers includes Dayanandi, Dhammarati, Kamalasila, Kulaprabha, Padmavajra, Parami, Maitreyi, Ratnadharani, Ratnaguna, Tejananda, Vessantara, Vidyamala, plus members of Buddhafield developing ritual and storytelling and members of Buddhafield North running activities for children.

The Theme...

The weekend takes place just a few days after Wesak, the full moon day of May on which Buddhists all over the world celebrate the Buddha's attainment of Enlightenment. We'll be hearing about what it was the Buddha had discovered, how he then spent many days reflecting and meditating on its significance, before finally deciding to share his experience and “beat the drum of the Dharma”.

We are envisaging an unfolding theme over the weekend - looking at the stories and incidents from the tradition, but also their meaning, relevance, and "equivalents" in our own lives. There will be a day looking at the Buddha's Enlightenment and the topic of insight and understanding, a day exploring absorption, depth, assimilation... and a day looking at going back into the world with the message of the Dharma...

Facilities...

The event will be held at Taraloka, a beautiful retreat centre in Shropshire. There will be some dormitory accommodation available (book early!), plus camping space in fields adjacent to Taraloka (bring your own tent and bedding). If you need accommodation indoors because of physical ailments, or you are elderly, please contact us and we will do our best to meet your needs. The retreat is being run in conjunction with Buddhafield, who have many years experience in running outdoor events, and who will be providing the catering for this event.

For more on facilities for children, those with special needs, or translations for those for whom English is not their first language, please see the website.

The website...

There is loads more information at www.internationalretreat.fwbo.org and this site will be updated with new information as the programme develops. as of early November it will also have the facility to book on -line, or download a postal booking form.

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