Hungry Ghost Retreat : A Day of Practice with an Emphasis on Recovery.
Vince Cullen
One-day retreat exploring ‘Buddhist’ practices for recovery from addictions
Sunday 1st April 2012 from 10:00am until 5:00pm
Registration and tea from 9:00am
Headington Parish Hall,
Dunstan Road,
Old Headington
Oxford, OX3 9BY
This one-day retreat will be a day of sustained meditation, in part supported by an atmosphere of silence (which will be interrupted for the lunch period). This retreat is suitable for beginners as well as those with experience of meditation practice. Guidance will be given, and there will be a talk as well as the opportunity to ask questions.
This mindful recovery retreat is offered as an opportunity to experience a wholly Buddhist approach to recovery from all forms of addiction. This retreat is open to those new to recovery as well as those who have been in recovery for a longer time. All are welcome to sit together to discover and explore an alternative and complementary approach to recovery; and to support on-going abstinence.The meditation practices of Loving-kindness, Compassion, Joy, and Equanimity (together known as the Brahma Viharas - the Four Divine Emotions) – all essential for healing our hearts and minds – will be central to, and woven into, our schedule.
For the period of the retreat, retreatants are required to commit to Sila (Precepts):
- 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).
It is important to note that you do not have to be a Buddhist to adopt or to adapt any of the principles discussed, and meditation practices explored. Recovering people of all faiths and none are welcome on this retreat.
Cost £10 per person (£5 concessions).
Optional Donation (Pali : Dana) : The retreat teachings are offered in accordance with the Buddhist tradition of Dana (the practice and cultivation of generosity). Vince follows the ancient Buddhist tradition of not charging for the teachings he shares. The organisations that host his retreats and workshops generally only cover his travel expenses. However, in return for his teaching and instruction, Vince gratefully accepts donations, which enable him to continue his ongoing studies and teaching. If you would like to support Vince, you can do so at the end of the retreat.
The number of retreatants is limited to a maximum of 30, if you are interested please complete the Booking Form to secure your place as soon as possible.
To ensure that this retreat is right for you, please read all the information provided carefully. Don't hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have.
Be Well and kind regards.With Metta,
Vince
(h) 01635-552665
(m) 07909-545380
www.5th-precept.org
www.thamkrabok.net
www.TARA-detox.org
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3
When we hold fast to such thoughts as,
“They abused me, mistreated me,
molested me, robbed me,”
we keep hatred alive.
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A DHAMMAPADA for CONTEMPLATION