'From Hungry Ghost to Being Human without going through Hell’

[Vince Cullen]

A Day-long retreat exploring ‘Buddhist’ practices for recovery from Addictions (with Supper). Saturday 3 December 2011 Newbury Contact: vince....@5th-precept.org or call on (+44) 01635-552665 / (+44) 07909-545380 A day of talks, sitting and (weather permitting) walking practice focussed on recovery in a wholly Buddhist sense. Some silent meditation; and some Loving-kindness and Forgiveness practice. This retreat is offered as an opportunity to experience a wholly Buddhist approach to recovery from all forms of addiction. The retreat is open to those new to recovery as a support to their ongoing abstinence. Those who have been in recovery for a longer time - perhaps 12-step, SMART or otherwise - are also very welcome to discover an alternative and complementary approach to recovery. Using a modern depiction of the Buddhist Six Realms of Existence as a model for addiction and recovery, we will explore the ancient traditional principles and practices of Sajja (seeing the truth of our addiction & our commitment to change) and Sila (the Buddha's original harm reduction & relapse prevention programme) as foundations of a Buddhist approach to recovery. The essential practices of Loving-kindness and Forgiveness - for healing our hearts in recovery - will be central to the day’s practice. At the end of the day there will be an opportunity for individuals to take a Sajja vow to abstain from intoxicants. But it is stressed that this is entirely voluntary, without obligation or expectation. After the dedication of merit and formal close of practice there will be a social evening with vegetarian food. Cost for the day (including supper) is £10 to help fund the cost of Newbury sitting group annual room hire. It is important to note that you do not have to be a Buddhist to practice Sajja, Sila,  meditation or mindfulness.   Recovering people of all faiths and none are welcome on this retreat. Registration and tea will be available from 9.00am. The day will start at 9:30am with a welcome talk and introduction to mindfulness meditation for recovery. Please bring your own vegetarian lunch. As for all retreats, retreatants are required to commit to Sila (Precepts) for the duration of the day: To refrain from harming any living being To refrain from taking what is not offered To refrain from sexual and sensual misconduct To refrain from false speech (including idle gossip, harsh and divisive speech) To refrain from taking substances which disturb the balance of the mind (and may lead me into committing any of the above). The retreat will close at 5:30pm after which supper will be served. The supper provided will be vegetarian (please let us know if you have any other special dietary requirements). The evening will end at 8pm. The retreat’s primary facilitator will be Vince Cullen. Vince is an ex-alcoholic who has been associated with the Wat Thamkrabok monastery in Thailand and Buddhist-oriented drug and alcohol recovery since 1998. Vince  facilitates the Fifth Precept meditation for recovery group in Berkshire and is a charter member of the Buddhist Recovery Network. Dana : The retreat teachings are offered in accordance with the Buddhist tradition of Dana (the practice and virtue of generosity) where the retreatant is invited to contribute financially to the teachings and the mentoring based on their individual income and the value that they place on what has been offered. The livelihood of the teacher is - in part - dependent on the generosity of Dana. There will be more details of this on the day. If you are interested in joining this special retreat then please contact Vince Cullen to check availability before sending your non-refundable deposit of £5.00 ---oooOooo---

Vince
 
(h)  01635-552665
(m) 07909-545380

www.5th-precept.org
www.thamkrabok.net
www.TARA-detox.org
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421
Anyone who lives freed
from habits of clinging,
to past, present or future,
possessing nothing,
is a great being.
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A DHAMMAPADA for CONTEMPLATION

[Vince]

Dear Friends,

In hindsight, I don't think there are any miracle cures for addiction; so it is inevitable (and my personal experience) that we must go through the Hell realms before arriving at Being Human... otherwise there is the danger of 'spiritual bypassing'.

So the new title for this day of practice is "From Hungry Ghost to Being Human - without stopping in Hell".

Metta to all my Friends in recovery.

Vince
 
(h)  01635-552665
(m) 07909-545380

www.5th-precept.org
www.thamkrabok.net
www.TARA-detox.org
_________________________________

422
A great being is fearless like a bull,
noble, strong, wise, diligent,
sees through delusions,
is clear, attentive and awake.

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A DHAMMAPADA for CONTEMPLATION