Within the Buddhist tradition, ego is seen as a continual selfing process through which we solidify our world. Through meditation we can develop a fine-grained understanding of how this is happening moment to moment. More profoundly, we can start to recognise the wider background of space and awareness within which this selfing process happens. This recognition enables us to let go of the tightness with which we usually try to hold ourselves, and trust the more open, expansive quality of our experience. This is a powerful area of study as it helps to clarify the view that we bring to our meditation.

This day retreat will be a chance to come together to focus on sitting practice. Meditation instruction will be given, focusing on both resting the mind (shamatha), as well as making a connection with the spaciousness of our experience (vipashyana). Llew will also give a talk drawing on the classic Buddhist presentation of the formation of ego, traditionally known as the five aggregates (or skandhas) of experience. 

Our monthly day retreats offer a day to deepen meditation practice, share contemplative lunch and tea, and hear a Dharma talk or teaching. They are taking place in person at the Centre in Clapham. 

The retreat days are open to people in the early stages of exploring the spiritual path as well as those who have already studied this material to some extent. Anyone interested in attending, who has not yet begun to meditate, is welcome to do so following attendance at one of our Wednesday night open meditation sessions. There, one can receive an introduction to meditation practice. 

Timings

Arrival from 9.30am, sitting will start at 10.00am, the day closes at 5pm. 

Cost

The cost is £35.

A concession fee of £25 is available to anyone that has an annual income below £25,000, and of £20 is available to anyone that has an annual income below £20,000. Please contact [email protected] to arrange a concession or with any other questions.

We do not want cost to be a barrier to anyone attending and understand that these are challenging times financially for many people – please do not hesitate to contact us if you require a further concession.