Details:

Date: Sunday 13th until Sunday 20th October

Retreat Leader: Venerable Mary Reavey

Requirements: Everyone is welcome

Cost: Generosity Model – Donation only (via the donation form at the bottom of the page; no suggested amount).

Format: Onsite

Start Time: The retreat starts at 7:00 p.m. on the 13th of October. Please arrive at the centre, if attending onsite, by 5 pm as supper will be served at 6 pm

Finish time: After Lunch, mid-afternoon.

Accommodation: Land of Joy wishes for everyone who visits the centre to feel welcome, accepted, safe and secure. Our accommodation options are very limited, with mostly single-sex shared accommodation and only one single room (which is sometimes needed by volunteers). This means single accommodation can only be offered to those who need it the most, but still won’t always be available. Camping can be an option at certain times of year if you have your own tent but space is very limited. Please read the relevant sections of the booking form carefully.

About the Retreat

This journey aims to show the close relationship between Shamata and Vipassana.

Shamatha is the method to sharpen and balance the mind. This mind is then applied in Vipassana to reveal the wisdom of the Nature of Reality. These teachings and practices reflect the clear and precise teachings of Lama B. Alan Wallace. Shamatha is the practice of Attention Development aimed at achieving focused attention on a chosen object without agitation or dullness. We will review the main points in relation to developing Shamatha on the Breath.

Vipassana meditation utilizes the skills of Shamata within the process of enquiry. In this retreat we will directly question our lived experience within the framework of the Three Marks of existence and the Close application of Mindfulness.

“No matter your level of meditation, you can benefit from training your attention.
With this skill we can- uproot negative habits, develop Bodhichitta, experience insights into the nature of reality and radically alter our relationship to the rest of the world”. (B Alan Wallace)

Vipassana means to see things as they really are – Achieving insight through Mindfulness.

The books by B. Alan Wallace – Attention Revolution & Minding Closely, the four applications of mindfulness – will be referred to throughout. It would be beneficial, though not necessary, to have access to these clear and straightforward presentations.

About the Teacher

Born in Dundee, Scotland, Ven Mary was a staff nurse when she first encountered Buddhism at the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition’s mother monastery – Kopan – in Nepal in 1978. It was her love of adventure and trekking that led her to Kopan. Ven Mary attend a month long course taught by Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa who emphasised the importance of meditation and taking complete responsibility for your own actions and their effects.

In 2001 Ven Mary took ordination as a nun with Lama Zopa Rinpoche, then until 2012 taught meditation and Buddhist philosophy at Jamyang Buddhist Centre Leeds, Buddhist centres in Preston, Liverpool and at Armley Prison, Dumfries Prison, Leeds General Infirmary, St James’ Hospital and Wheatfields Hospice where she held regular meditation sessions. Ven Mary went on to take full Bikshuni ordination in 2015.

Over years Ven Mary has undertaken and led many meditation retreats. She completed a one year solitary retreat in 2014 and completes a three month personal retreat each year. She continues to regularly teach for Jamyang Buddhist Centre Leeds, Jamyang Liverpool, Preston and Lhagsam Zurich

Moreover, Ven Mary moved to Jedburgh in 2016 to be closer to Land of Joy.

A Way to Say Thank You

To Land of Joy…

Our generosity model means we do not charge for any teachings, accommodation or food. We are therefore 100% dependant on donations to help us cover our £90,000 a year running costs.

You are therefore invited to give what you can as a thank you for the organisation and hosting of the retreat, including the food and accommodation provided if you stayed onsite.

You may also like to make a regular contribution to the centre by becoming a Branch of Joy. This kind of support gifts us a steady and ongoing income, which in turn provides the confidence and means for us to continue to flourish for many years to come.

Everything given will ensure Land of Joy continues to be offered as a precious place for retreat.

To The Teacher…

Teachers and retreat leaders practice generosity by freely offering their time to Land of Joy. We cover their travel expenses but do not pay them for the teachings they give.

You are therefore invited to make an offering to the teacher as a thank you for the time and knowledge they share.

To The Volunteers…

Our retreats are supported by our wonderful team of volunteers, some of whom you will meet during your time at the centre. Those who live onsite offer their time, expertise and dedication in return for food and accommodation. They do not receive a wage or stipend. Unfortunately, we are only able to accept offerings for them in cash, so if you would like to thank them for their service, please do so by bringing cash with you to the centre and placing it in the volunteer collection pot.