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.

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.

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Thank you and may you be happy.