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In 1976 I formally committed myself to a course of action about which I had a whole jumble of ideas. None of these have really turned out to be of much use except their gradual abandonment has provided a path of debris offering the consolation that I have actually moved from where I started. In short, the practice of the Dharma or my attempted practice at least has not turned out to be remotely what I thought it might be like, I’m pleased to say.
Aloka – Navigating the Labyrinth of Literalism
Ordination is a distinctive moment in our spiritual lives, the point at which we commit to continually deepen our Going for Refuge to the Three Jewels. In the course of our preparation for ordination we develop an idea of what the spiritual life consists, how to practise it, and where it leads. But do we really know where we are heading and what it will look like? The spiritual life can precipitate moments when our limited conceptions of it fall short and we‘re not sure of the way forward, only that we cannot go back. So what do we do then? How do we steer a course towards a goal that is beyond thought?
On this Order weekend, we will be investigating the seemingly ‘hidden’ dynamics of the spiritual life, how to navigate the unfamiliar terrain in which we can find ourselves, and how we can continually enlarge and deepen our vision of the spiritual life and where it leads.
We will do this partly through studying Aloka's paper 'Navigating the Labyrinth of Literalism' which you can find here: Navigating the Labyrinth of Literalism
This weekend is directly followed by the Guru Yoga: The Blissful Path to Liberation Order retreat. Consider making the most of your journey to Padmaloka by booking onto both.
Banner and thumbnail image: cropped painting by Aloka ©
Details and Timings
The retreat starts with dinner on the first day at 6:30pm and finishes on the final day at around 2:30pm.
Retreat Rates
If you require a different payment rate because you are only attending for the day or are a Regional Order Convenor, please contact the guestmaster.
Dorms
Please note that only bunk beds remain available
If you are struggling financially and need help to come on retreat please contact our Guest Master info@padmaloka.org.uk or 01508 538 112
Coming on a retreat at Padmaloka is a step into another way of being, where we temporarily take up a way of life that is more supportive of Buddhist Practice. We go forth from our ordinary circumstances, our comforts and distractions so that we can discern and move towards our ideals and help others to do so as well.
When booking a retreat at Padmaloka it is important to get a sense of how you will be living here - what our customs, etiquettes and requirements for being on retreat are.
