Dharma and Recovery Retreat
Vince Cullen
I am arranging a 'Dharma and Recovery Retreat' at The Barn near Totnes, Devon in the UK from Sunday 9th May 2010 until Sunday 16th May 2010.
All the details you need can be found at http://www.sharphamtrust.org/barn/ but to summarise the main points of the retreat.
- The retreat is intended to be exclusively for ex-addicts - in recovery - who have taken treatment at Wat Tham Krabok. NOTE: If not enough ex-Thamkrabokers book places by the end of 2009, the retreat will be opened up to the public (and will probably be oversubscribed very quickly). Please book your place as soon as possible.
- There are 6 places on the retreat. Fees at The Barn are subsidised by The Sharpham Trust. The cost for the week is £175 per person plus a dana donation to the teacher. Concessions for anyone on very low wages may be available. A non-refundable deposit of £90 will be required to secure a place on this retreat.
- We will largely follow The Barn's usual structured framework, enjoying a mixture of relaxation, good company, working on the land and meditation, sharing household tasks, enjoying wholesome food - cooked by volunteers within our group - and experience the natural beauty of the Dart Estuary.
- The retreat's primary Dharma and meditation teacher will be Kevin Griffin (author of ONE BREATH AT A TIME : Buddhism and the Twelve Steps).who will be joining the retreat from Sunday until at least Wednesday.
- It's important that you are physically able to participate in working on the land (The Barn is located on a hill!) and that you can commit to all the scheduled activities during the week. This includes three 40 minute meditation sittings each day.
- Although The Barn is not a silent retreat, you will find plenty of opportunity to enjoy quiet times by yourself or with others. Each retreatant will have a single room. Throughout each day we will seek to create a restful and contemplative atmosphere. The house is silent from 21h30 until 09h00 including a silent breakfast, and we will have one completely silent day during the week.
If you are interested in joining us for this special retreat then please complete the attached booking form and send it along with your deposit of £90 directly to The Barn (instructions are on the booking form). As a special bonus, if you also let me know that you have sent your deposit I will despatch the Thamkrabok Laypeople's Chanting Book and audio CD. Now, that is an offer you can't refuse!
I hope to see you soon.
Be well and kind regards.
With Metta,
Vince
__________________________________
316
Distorted views
which create feelings of shame
about that which is not shameful,
or indifference
to that which is shameful,
can cause beings to descend into hell.
__________________________________
A DHAMMAPADA for CONTEMPLATION
http://aruno.org//index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=241&Itemid=80
John Cox
Sent from my iPod
<The-Thamkrabok-Retreat-booking-form.doc>
Vince Cullen
I think The Barn are pretty unique in the provision of year-round, Sunday-to-Sunday retreats. But what do I know, particularly about what might be available in your neck of the woods! But I do know a man who might, so I have sent an email and when I hear anything I'll post it here for all our 'Friends' in Australia.
Last year's retreat with Martine Bachelor had a very poor take up from the ex-Thamkrabok community, so it was opened up to the public and was over subscribed immediately; so much so that 1 guy stayed in the kuti some distance from the main house and 1 guy camped out in the field. It was a very well received retreat and Martine is doing some more teaching days at The Barn in 2010.
The teacher for our 2010 retreat is Kevin Griffin, ex-addict and alcoholic, with one foot in the 12-Step recovery camp and one foot in the Buddhist recovery camp. Kevin's first book 'One Breath at a Time : Buddhism and the Twelve Steps' drew critical acclaim when published in 2004. Jack Kornfield said of it "A truly helpful bridge between the power of 12 step work and the power of the Dharma". Kevin's new book "A Burning Desire: Dharma God and the Path of Recovery" is due out next year.
The reason for arranging such a retreat is to meet ex-Thamkrabokers within a convivial and supportive environment as provided by The Barn. Good 'Friends', good practice, good (vegetarian) food... good living.
So for all of our European 'Friends' - if you're interested, book your place early and avoid disappointment.
May your Sajja always be strong.
May your Sajja never be broken.
May your Sajja bring you all the gifts you deserve.
With Metta,
Vince
__________________________________
317
Distorted views
which create feelings of fear
toward what is not actually threatening,
or indifference in the face
of that which is threatening,
can cause beings to descend into hell.
__________________________________
A DHAMMAPADA for CONTEMPLATION
http://aruno.org//index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=241&Itemid=80
Vince Cullen
I got in touch with Paul Saintilan up in Sydney. Paul was/is one of the driving forces behind the setting up of the international Buddhist Recovery Network and he organised the 1st conference in LA last month. This is what Paul says:
======================================
======================================
Obviously, if I hear anything then I will post it here anyway.
My own attempt at starting a recovery meditation group is ongoing and I have a first-cut website at www.5th-precept.org
I would very much welcome any constructive criticism or comments about the website... is it understandable, would it get you to a meeting?
Look after yourselves.
Best wishes,
Vince
319
The clear seeing which knows
that which is flawed as flawed
and that which is pure as pure
can lead beings to transcend misery.
__________________________________
A DHAMMAPADA for CONTEMPLATION
http://aruno.org//index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=241&Itemid=80
Vince Cullen
I've been approached by someone wanting to join the Dharma & Recovery Retreat next year. He wasn't lucky enough to have been to TKBM but he had heard about the retreat 'on the grapevine'.
As you know, the retreat is intended to be exclusively for ex-Thamkrabok addicts who are in recovery but bookings so far have been slender to say the least. The Barn tell me that the only booking and deposit received so far was from me!
I know that Christmas is around the corner and May 2010 seems a long way away but could I ask that if anyone is seriously considering joining 'our' retreat that they could let me know as soon as possible (even if they can't formally book and send a deposit until January). It would be a great pleasure, and maybe a lot of fun, to get together in the friendly supportive environment of The Barn.
If there are not enough deposits from 'Thamkrabokers' by January then the retreat will be offered to anyone in recovery, and I know it will be over-subscribed very quickly, as was last years retreat with Martine Batchelor.
Best wishes to all.
With Metta,
Vince
__________________________________
330
A harmless solitary life
lived at ease
like that of the lone elephant in the forest,
is better than
the unnecessary company of fools.
__________________________________
A DHAMMAPADA for CONTEMPLATION
http://aruno.org//index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=241&Itemid=80
bill bloomer
| i especially enjoy the Dhammapada below. there are some lone elephants still in the forest. so it is said. --- On Tue, 12/1/09, Vince Cullen <vince....@tara-detox.org> wrote: |
|
ian ireland
KEvin Griffen u say. he is doing the barn thing.
is that the Kevin Griffen who wrote the book "One Breath at a time"
I have read this and found it most interesting. dont know my college
schedual
for may but i think i finish fairly early in May and the fact he is
leading it makes it
sound very interesting ( not saying the they have not been interesting
up to now but u know what I mean)
Its just his name raised my eyebrow off the top of me head. If i can
get the dates I might just ry n make it over.
keep me posted. Im not going to put a deposit down as i cant afford to
waste the monies just in case the dates clash
for me as Im sure u can understand. Its just that dude spoke my
language and was one of the few books on revovery
which didnt bore me r seem like an NA manual if u know what i mean. I
guess I just have diffuclty clicking with alot of that stuff.
Im not a huge reader, but that book got me. I actually borrowed it
form gary devine a long long time go. GARY U will get it back.
but hey I got the excuse now that ur on the other side of the world ,
so im not just being lazy n forgetful.
I read it while i was putting in time in TKB this year just gone.
regards Vince and hopefully I might just make that now.
by the way. I believe u have a copy of the verses in the laypeoples
chanting book recited by MEA SEE R.
she mentioned this to me when I got the book from the abbott when I
disrobed, its just taken me till now to ask u about it.
any chance u could hook me up either as a zipped up digital file via
email or whateverway u have up ur sleeve to do that kinda thing.
or the old postal format would suit. snailmail as I thinks its called
now. but id love to get it asap. could really do with it right now to
help with the medititation
im sure it would be a good tool to use.
nice one mate. could u mail me n let me know r even post tru here.
whatever suits.
thanks and happy holidays and new year and all that jazz
IAN
On Dec 2, 6:15 am, bill bloomer <bill_bloo...@yahoo.com> wrote:
> i especially enjoy the Dhammapada below.
> there are some lone elephants still in the forest. so it is said.
>
>
> --- On Tue, 12/1/09, Vince Cullen <vince.cul...@tara-detox.org> wrote:
>
> From: Vince Cullen <vince.cul...@tara-detox.org>
> Subject: [FOTM:2536] Re: Dharma and Recovery Retreat
> To: "Friends of Thamkrabok Monastery" <Friends-of-Tham...@googlegroups.com>
> Date: Tuesday, December 1, 2009, 9:40 AM
>
> Dear Friends,
>
> I've been approached by someone wanting to join the Dharma & Recovery Retreat next year. He wasn't lucky enough to have been to TKBM but he had heard about the retreat 'on the grapevine'.
>
> As you know, the retreat is intended to be exclusively for ex-Thamkrabok addicts who are in recovery but bookings so far have been slender to say the least. The Barn tell me that the only booking and deposit received so far was from me!
>
> I know that Christmas is around the corner and May 2010 seems a long way away but could I ask that if anyone is seriously considering joining 'our' retreat that they could let me know as soon as possible (even if they can't formally book and send a deposit until January). It would be a great pleasure, and maybe a lot of fun, to get together in the friendly supportive environment of The Barn.
>
> If there are not enough deposits from 'Thamkrabokers' by January then the retreat will be offered to anyone in recovery, and I know it will be over-subscribed very quickly, as was last years retreat with Martine Batchelor.
>
> Best wishes to all.
>
> With Metta,
>
> Vince
> __________________________________
> 330
> A harmless solitary life
> lived at ease
> like that of the lone elephant in the forest,
> is better than
>
> the unnecessary company of fools.
> __________________________________
> A DHAMMAPADA for CONTEMPLATIONhttp://aruno.org//index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=241&Itemi...
>
> 2009/10/28 Vince Cullen <vince.cul...@tara-detox.org>
>
> Hi Folks,
>
> I am arranging a 'Dharma and Recovery Retreat' at The Barn near Totnes, Devon in the UK from Sunday 9th May 2010 until Sunday 16th May 2010.
>
> All the details you need can be found athttp://www.sharphamtrust.org/barn/but to summarise the main points of the retreat.
>
> The retreat is intended to be exclusively for ex-addicts - in recovery - who have taken treatment at Wat Tham Krabok. NOTE: If not enough ex-Thamkrabokers book places by the end of 2009, the retreat will be opened up to the public (and will probably be oversubscribed very quickly). Please book your place as soon as possible.
>
> There are 6 places on the retreat. Fees at The Barn are subsidised by The Sharpham Trust. The cost for the week is £175 per person plus a dana donation to the teacher. Concessions for anyone on very low wages may be available. A non-refundable deposit of £90 will be required to secure a place on this retreat.
>
> We will largely follow The Barn's usual structured framework, enjoying a mixture of relaxation, good company, working on the land and meditation, sharing household tasks, enjoying wholesome food - cooked by volunteers within our group - and experience the natural beauty of the Dart Estuary.
>
> The retreat's primary Dharma and meditation teacher will be Kevin Griffin (author of ONE BREATH AT A TIME : Buddhism and the Twelve Steps).who will be joining the retreat from Sunday until at least Wednesday.
>
> It's important that you are physically able to participate in working on the land (The Barn is located on a hill!) and that you can commit to all the scheduled activities during the week. This includes three 40 minute meditation sittings each day.
>
> Although The Barn is not a silent retreat, you will find plenty of opportunity to enjoy quiet times by yourself or with others. Each retreatant will have a single room. Throughout each day we will seek to create a restful and contemplative atmosphere. The house is silent from 21h30 until 09h00 including a silent breakfast, and we will have one completely silent day during the week.
>
> If you are interested in joining us for this special retreat then please complete the attached booking form and send it along with your deposit of £90 directly to The Barn (instructions are on the booking form). As a special bonus, if you also let me know that you have sent your deposit I will despatch the Thamkrabok Laypeople's Chanting Book and audio CD. Now, that is an offer you can't refuse!
>
> I hope to see you soon.
>
> Be well and kind regards.
>
> With Metta,
>
> Vince
> __________________________________
>
> 316
> Distorted views
> which create feelings of shame
> about that which is not shameful,
> or indifference
> to that which is shameful,
> can cause beings to descend into hell.
>
> __________________________________
>
> A DHAMMAPADA for CONTEMPLATIONhttp://aruno.org//index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=241&Itemi...
>
> --
>
> The OFFICIAL Thamkrabok Monastery website ishttp://www.thamkrabok-monastery.org
>
> INDEPENDENT information can be found athttp://www.thamkrabok.net
Vince Cullen
Good to hear from you.
The retreat at The Barn in May 2010 will be lead by Kevin Griffin who is the author of "One Breath at a Time : Buddhism and the Twelve Steps". The retreat runs from Sunday 9th May until Saturday 15th May. Kevin will teach from Sunday until Wednesday when he has to leave for a conference on addictions in London. We will largely follow The Barn's normal schedule with added teaching/sitting sessions lead by Kevin. There will be one full day of noble-silence probably on the Thursday. The final schedule has yet to be agreed and will to some degree be determined or influenced by who many 'Thamkrabokers' there are on the retreat.
It is possible to 'pencil-in' your name for the retreat by emailing The Barn at ba...@sharphamtrust.org or call (+44) 01803 732661 but your place won't be gauranteed until they receive your deposit of GBP90.
I've placed the Thamkrabok Chanting for Laypeople Book and MP3s on the Friends-Of-Thamkrabok-Monastery [FOTM] web pages <linked here>
Let me know if you have any problems downloading any of this stuff and I'll see what I can do (although, I think I'm going to tuck the PC away for the next couple of weeks).
May everyone have a peaceful and stress-free holiday.
With Metta,
Vince
PS: The Dhammapada verse 336 below is one of my favourites.
__________________________________
336
As water falls from a lotus leaf
so sorrow drops from those
who are free of toxic craving.
__________________________________
A DHAMMAPADA for CONTEMPLATION
http://aruno.org//index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=241&Itemid=80