This is an old retreat and no longer available for booking.On this retreat, we will explore social, generational, and oppressive systemic conditionings that shape our personal and collective lives in ways that undermine our ability to fully and authentically engage the extreme challenges of our times.
In a safe and carefully held retreat space, we’ll explore our experience of internal narratives and the energetic and emotional shapes we embody, while inquiring into the sense of self that arises from the conditioning of class, patriarchy, race, and gender. From the lens of unconditioned awareness, we will hold the possibility of freedom from painful conditioning, without disassociating from its impact, so we can compassionately respond within our fast moving world.
This retreat, framed by the practice of Insight meditation, includes guided interactive inquiry, Dharma reflections and guided meditations as well as devotional practices and Qigong.
All, regardless of background, who feel resonant with this theme, are very welcome.
SUVACO is a former Buddhist monk and a passionate advocate for embodying life in all of its forms. He lives in the South West UK where he works as a psychotherapist and Tai Qi teacher.
Listen to one of Suvaco's Talks at Gaia House on 15.06.2015: Evening Talk from Touching the Earth Retreat (Duration 47:09)
THANISSARA, from London, ordained after meeting Ajahn Chah for 12 years. She has facilitated meditation retreats for 35 years and has an MA in Core Process Psychotherapy from the Karuna Institute. Thanissara is co-founder of Dharmagiri, South Africa and Sacred Mountain Sangha, U.S. Her recent book is Time To Stand Up.
Listen to one of Thanissara’s Talks, Belonging (Duration 39:50)
Retreat Code = 19156
A = suitable for all
Mental well-being guidelines - please click here to read before booking Intensive silent meditation retreats can be very nourishing; however, as they require sustained meditation practice, they also need some stability of psychological health. If you have recently (within the past year or so) experienced significant trauma or psychiatric illness, or if you are currently experiencing acute emotional distress such as serious depression or anxiety, it may not be the best time for you to attend an intensive retreat in silence. The teachers might not be able to give you the kind of individual psychological care you need at this time. A setting with more opportunities for interpersonal engagement may be more appropriate.
Before you book, please read these guidelines about mental well-being and silent retreats:
Thursday 15 August – Thursday 22 August 2019 (7 nights)
Standard Rate: £413 - Please pay this rate if you canSponsor Rate: £496 - A benefactor rate, which helps others to come here on the Supported Rate
Supported Rate: £351 - Available if the Standard Rate is too high for you
FAB Fund Rate: £207 - For more details please see the Financial Assistance page
Young Persons Rate: £124 - For more details please see the Financial Assistance page
Extending Your Retreat = £54 per night – Conditions apply – please see box
- Arrive for registration between 2-5pm on the opening day.
- Depart after 12.30pm on the final day (or 1.30pm if staying for lunch).
- Please only make travel bookings to fit with these times.
- These conditions apply even if you've been to Gaia House before.
- The teachers and staff at Gaia House require this commitment in order to respect the retreat environment and minimise disruption to others.
- We are not able to accept bookings from people who want to arrive and/or depart outside of these times.