A Meditation Retreat on Genuine Happiness 2022
With Ven Mary Reavey: 20th – 22nd May 2022
This weekend will provide the opportunity to discover and explore the fundamentals of Buddhist meditation. Join us as we practice the four meditations as taught by the Buddha, sitting, standing, walking & supine. This weekend will provide the opportunity to discover and explore the fundamentals of Buddhist meditation with plenty of time given for discussion and questions.
About Ven Mary

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 attended 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 the 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 at Jamyang Buddhist Centre Leeds, Jamyang Liverpool and in York.
Recommended Reading
Ven Mary recommends the following reading material for before, during and after the course:
-
The Wish-Fulfilling Golden Sun (pp. 39–43)
-
How to Meditate by Kathleen McDonald
-
Transforming Adversity into Joy and Courage (chap. 3 only), by Geshe Jampa Tegchok (SP)
- https://liveanddare.com/walking-meditation/
Recommended Lam Rim Texts:
-
Atisha – Lamp for the Path to Enlightenment – Commentary by Geshe Sonam Rinchen
-
Tsong Khapa – LamRim Chenmo
-
Tsong Khapa – The Principal Teachings of Buddhism
-
The 3rd Dalai Lama – Essence of Refined Gold
-
Geshe Archarya Thubten Loden – The Path to Enlightenment in Tibetan Buddhism; Meditations on the Path to Enlightenment; and Essence of the Path to Enlightenment
-
Geshe Rabten – The Essential Nectar
-
Geshe Sopa – Steps on the Path to Enlightenment 5 volumes
-
Geshe Wangchen – Step by Step
-
Geshe Wangyal – The Jewelled Staircase
-
HH Dalai Lama – From Here to Enlightenment
-
HH Dalai Lama – Illuminating the Path to Enlightenment
-
Pabongka Rinpoche – Liberation in the Palm of Your Hand
-
Yangsi Rinpoche – Practising the Path: A Commentary on the LamRim Chenmo