Uncontrived Mindfulness: Order/Mitra Retreat with Vajradevi

Uncontrived Mindfulness: Order/Mitra Retreat with Vajradevi

Friday 6 November – Friday 13 November at Wesburn Recreation Camp

Working with the Forces of Clinging and Ignorance

“Sangharakshita says we should be aware of our minds at all times – but how do we do this? And what are the benefits to our practice? How do we really engage with mindfulness in a way that doesn’t feel contrived and ‘added on’, leaving us feeling stiff and unnatural? How can we connect with awareness that is completely natural, unfabricated and uncontrived?”

During the retreat we will explore mindfulness as a path to wisdom. We will work with awareness and right view to 'watch the mind' in all its guises. The focus will be on looking directly at our experience of the three ‘poisons’ and how we can use mindfulness as a support to clear seeing, and the end of suffering.

We will see how mindfulness can touch and transform our experience through simple presence, kindly awareness, and clear knowing.

The retreat will mainly be in silence with input most days, evening rituals, and meditation reviews.

Led by Vajradevi.

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Open to Order Members and Mitras of the Triratna Buddhist Community
Venue: Wesburn Recreation Camp, Yarra Valley, Victoria
Booking Essential: $535 Waged, $450 Concession

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About Vajradevi

Vajradevi started meditating in 1985 at the London Buddhist Centre and has been ordained for 31 years. She has been practising and teaching mindfulness with a strong insight dimension for over 25 years. To further her practice, she has studied with specialists on Satipatthana on long retreats in Burma and the US.

Before starting to teach she worked in Right Livelihood businesses in the UK. Between 2000-2007 she fundraised and oversaw the renovation of Akashavana, our women’s ordination retreat centre in Spain.

She is the author of ‘Uncontrived Mindfulness: ending suffering through attention, curiosity and wisdom’ published in 2021 by Windhorse Publications.

Vajradevi lives with her husband in Shrewsbury, UK just along the road from the Buddhist Centre there.

You can find out more about her approach and read her meditation blog at www.uncontrivedmindfulness.net.

Book Now: $535 / $450
More questions? Get in touch

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be a Buddhist / meditator?

This retreat is only open to Order Members and Mitras of the Triratna Buddhist Community.

What does the cost include?

The retreat cost covers the full cost of the retreat, including food and accommodation.

When does the retreat start and end?

The retreat will begin with dinner on the Friday evening around 6:30pm. You are welcome to arrive any time from 5pm. It is normally not advisable to plan to arrive later than this. If you think you might need to, please contact us before booking.

We will finish on the following Friday afternoon, around 3pm.

What’s the Accommodation Like?

The venue has simple but comfortable accommodation. Shared dormitories are arranged in men's+ and women's+ wings. The venue has shared bathroom facilities with toilets and showers, separate from the bedrooms.

It’s also possible to camp, if you’d prefer to bring your own tent.

Part of the retreat experience is getting to live communally. We’ll eat, cook and clean up together, which is a great way to care for one another and become friends.

If it’s not possible for you to help with a light job each day, please contact us before booking.

Can I Have a Single Room?

Indoor beds are limited, so single sleeping quarters are not usually possible.

You’re welcome to bring your own camping gear and set up your tent in the ample grounds.

What’s the Food Like?

As part of our commitment to non-violence, we offer vegan food on our retreats.

If you have dietary restrictions not listed on the booking form, do let us know.

Please don’t bring along meat, fish, alcohol or recreational drugs.

What Should I Bring?

You’ll need to bring your own bedding: sheets, blankets and a pillow.

Make sure also to bring any medication and toiletries you need, including a towel.

Since we discourage the use of mobile phones, you might find it helpful to bring a torch and a watch. A notebook and pen might also come in handy.

In cold weather, we recommend bringing an extra blanket for meditation.

In warm weather, consider what you’ll need in terms of sun protection and hiking shoes.

How To Get Here

Directions from MBC to Wesburn Recreation Camp