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Retreats at the Birmingham Buddhist Centre

Day/weekend retreats suitable for those familiar with the mindfulness of breathing and metta bhavana meditation practices.(See our Introduction to Buddhist meditation course.)

Please bring vegetarian food to share for lunch.

Wabi Sabi Weekend

With Vajradarshini

 

Ordinary Beauty

The Dharma teaches that samsara has three marks or characteristics; things are impermanent, insubstantial and painful. Yet transforming our experience isn’t about moving away from life it’s about going more deeply into it. It is in the depths of conditioned existence that we find the vimoksa mukhas, the doorways to freedom.

Wabi sabi is an aesthetic that parallels this teaching, it shows us how to find beauty and truth in our simple, ordinary experience. It originated in Japan in the 16th century when the term ‘wabi’ referred to poverty, ‘sabi’ to loneliness. At that time, while hermits were living this poor and lonely life, a cultural shift happened and this simplicity of living took the place of luxury as the highest aesthetic.

This weekend is about finding beauty and truth where we least expect them, in the softness of worn stone steps, the dents in an old tin plate, the scar on my knee or the lonely sound of the rain. With teachings, meditation and reflection on the Laksanas and the Vimoksa Mukhas. All brought to life with poetry, film and an exploration of the world around us.

See Vajradarshini's website for more details.

Saturday & Sunday 4th & 5th September
Saturday evening film night open to all
Film: 'Kitchen Stories' by Bent Hamer
Starting at 7pm

Suggested Donation: £20 / £10 per day

The suggested donation will go to the Birmingham Buddhist Centre. In line with tradition, Vajradarshini is trying to support herself to communicate the Dharma by donations. On the day, she will invite you to support her in this by making a further contribution.

Please book in advance through the Buddhist Centre office by sending in a £5 deposit per day.

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