Hungry Ghost Retreat - Mindfulness in Recovery

[Vince Cullen]

On Saturday 3rd December, 24 individuals came together in Newbury (West Berkshire) to share a day of mindfulness and meditation practices for abstinence in recovery.

The theme of the day was ‘From Hungry Ghost to Being Human (without stopping in Hell)’. Using traditional and modern models of the Buddhist Six Worlds (mental-states) of Existence, we navigated and negotiated our way from the torment of the Hungry Ghost addict to the aspirations and equanimity of Being Human.

A lot of emphasis was placed on the recurrent theme in the Buddhist Suttas that “what the mind thinks and ponders upon, that will become the inclination of the mind”… or as one of my teachers frequently says “what our mind thinks and ponders upon, shapes our mind. The shape of our mind shapes our world.”

With this in mind(!), we explored and practised some ways to deliberately and positively incline the mind towards – what might be considered – wholesome, skilful and harm-reducing aspirations.

The day ended with a Sajja vow ceremony in which some individuals renewed their vows and some took new vows.  All very inspiring.

Most individuals on the day were new to these practices and principles, so it was very pleasing to read such positive and supportive comments on the feedback forms.

The money raised on the day will be used to fund room hire for the Newbury ‘meditation for recovery’ sitting group.

Thanks to all those who supported the day.

Kind regards and Metta to all.

For more information on these retreats click here

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

www.5th-precept.org
www.thamkrabok.net
www.TARA-detox.org
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To understand all dimensions
of past existence,
to see accurately into all realms,
to reach the end of rebirths,
to know with insight
that which must be known,
to free the heart from ignorance –
this is the essence of great being.
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A DHAMMAPADA for CONTEMPLATION