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Sajja and Sila Recovery Retreat : Devon, England
This retreat is offered as an opportunity to experience a wholly Buddhist approach to recovery from all forms of addiction. The retreat is open to those new to recovery as a support to their ongoing abstinence. Those who have been in recovery for a longer time, 12-step or otherwise, are also welcome to experience an alternative or supplementary approach to - and of - recovery.
We will explore and practice Sajja (commitment to change) and Sila (the Buddha's original harm reduction programme) as cornerstones of a Buddhist approach to recovery. The other cornerstones of Loving-kindness and Forgiveness will be woven into our daily practice.
It is important to note that you do not have to be a Buddhist to practice Sajja, Sila or meditation. Recovering people of all faiths and none are welcome on this retreat.
Sajja and Sila : Cornerstones of a Buddhist Recovery
12 - 18 June 2011
£190 + dana
The Barn Retreat
Lower Sharpham Barton
Ashprington
Totnes
Devon TQ9 7DX
All the details you need can be found at The Barn’s website but to summarise the main points of the retreat.
- The guideline for participants wanting to attend this retreat is a minimum of six month's clean time. No previous mediation experience is required. Places are limited to 8 retreatants as the The Barn is a small, intimate retreat centre. Places for the retreat will be given on a first come first served basis.
- Fees at The Barn are subsidised by The Sharpham Trust. The cost for the week is £190 per person plus dana. Concessions for anyone on very low wages may be available. A non-refundable deposit of £95 will be required to secure a place on this retreat.
- We will largely follow The Barn’s usual structured framework , enjoying a mixture of relaxation, good company, working on the land and meditation, sharing household tasks, enjoying wholesome food - cooked by volunteers within the group - and experience the natural beauty of the Dart Estuary.
- The retreat’s primary teacher will be Vince Cullen. Vince is a recovering alcoholic who has been associated with the Wat Thamkrabok monastery in Thailand and Buddhist-oriented drug and alcohol recovery since 1998. Vince facilitates the Fifth Precept meditation for recovery group in Berkshire and is a member of the Buddhist Recovery Network.
- It is important that you are physically able to participate in working on the land (The Barn is located on a hill!) and that you can commit to all the scheduled activities during the week. This includes three 40 minute meditation sittings each day.
- Although The Barn is not a silent retreat, there will be plenty of opportunity to enjoy quiet times by yourself or with others. Each retreatant will have a single room. Throughout each day we will seek to create a restful and contemplative atmosphere. The house is silent from 21h30 until 09h00 including a silent breakfast, and there will be one completely silent day during the week.
- It is intended to close this week's practice after breakfast on Saturday 18th June with a simple Sajja and Precepts ceremony for anyone wishing to formalise these intentions. The retreat will close at 10.00am.
Dana : The retreat teachings are offered in accordance with the Buddhist tradition and practice of Dana where the retreatant is invited to contribute financially to the teachings and mentoring based on their individual income and the value they place on what is offered. The livelihood of the teachers is dependent on the generosity of Dana. There will be more details of this on the retreat.
If you are interested in joining this special retreat then please complete the online booking form and send it along with your deposit of £95 directly to The Barn (instructions are on the booking form).
For more details call Vince Cullen on (+44) 01635-552665 or call/email The Barn retreat 01803 732661.
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