"The ordinary experience which we have almost all the time is firmly and securely based on subject-object dualism. All our knowledge, all our thinking, takes place within the framework of this dualism – subject and object, me and you, 'me in here' and 'the world out there'. But the Enlightened mind is completely free of such dualism. It's an experience of just One Mind – cittamatra… The experience of the one mind is like a great expanse of water, absolutely pure, absolutely transparent, with nothing in it, not a single speck, other than the water itself."  Sangharakshita

Over these four days, we’ll have the opportunity to dive into exploring a profound aspect of the Dharma. The retreat will centre on the radical shift described by Sangharakshita as: moving from our usual experience of subject–object dualism, ‘me in here’ and ‘the world out there’, towards the direct realisation of One Mind (cittamatra). This is the possibility of an awareness that is open, unified, and free.

Gathering together with other young men, we’ll explore how we can live more creatively, communicate more vitally, and understand more deeply. There’s something powerful about practising alongside peers in this way, it creates the conditions for both honest reflection and genuine transformation.

The retreat will combine a strong Dharma theme with an immersive and supportive programme. There will be meditation, discussion, rituals, periods of silence, and time to enjoy the beautiful surroundings at Padmaloka.

We’re also very fortunate to have Paramartha joining us to give a series of talks. He is a man with a wealth of experience and zest for the Dharma. It really is a precious opportunity to get a deeper experience of how transformative the Dharma can be.

The retreat starts with dinner on the first day at 6:30pm and finishes on the final day at 2:30pm

‍Banner and thumbnail image: cropped painting by Aloka ©