Ajahn Brahmali is back in England from 12th – 22nd June and we feel blessed by the opportunity to immerse ourselves in his clear and insightful teachings again, which are deeply informed by the Suttas and his practice during thirty years as a monk. His visit will include two public talks, one day-retreat and most importantly, an eight-day residential retreat at the beautiful Franciscan Centre Ladywell, Surrey.
Here is the programme in full, with live registration links ~ there are only 30 places on the retreat, so please don’t delay!
“So, You Think You Understand Impermanence?”
Dhamma Talk at Oxford Quakers, Fri 12th June, 18:45 – 20:45
We might think we understand impermanence but usually our understanding does not go very deep. We are trapped in perceptions that do not reflect reality. Sometimes we underestimate impermanence, at other times we overestimate it. We need to find the middle way and then investigate deeply. As we do so, the most natural yet beautiful truth reveals itself!
“Turning Your Life Into A True Blessing!” ~ 8-day Residential Retreat
Sat 13th – Sat 20th June, at the Franciscan Centre Ladywell, Surrey
The Mahāmaṅgala Sutta (the Discourse on the Highest Blessings) is among the most cherished teachings of the Theravāda tradition – a gentle yet profound guide to living well. Uniquely grounded in the realities of lay life, it offers clear, practical reflections that nourish the heart and quietly transform the way we live, relate and practice.
Step by step, this sutta elucidates the entire spiritual path: from cultivating harmony and wise conduct in daily life, through deepening inner clarity and ultimately pointing toward liberation itself. During this retreat, we will slow down and explore the verses with care, drawing on the wider wisdom of the Pāli Canon to illuminate each blessing and bring it alive in our own experience. Be there or be square! 🙂
We are delighted to have found a very peaceful venue in idyllic surroundings. Set in the heart of beautiful Surrey, the Franciscan Centre Ladywell is spiritual home to Franciscan Sisters and the FMDM (Franciscan Missionaries of the Divine Motherhood), who have created a space of peace, beauty and reflection. The buildings and extensive grounds lend themselves perfectly to a silent meditation retreat. We feel confident that the atmosphere alone will support you in quietening the mind!
The forest at the Franciscan Centre, Ladywell
Ajahn Brahmali Day Retreat: “Spiritual Growth Through Kindness & Compassion”
Sun 21st June, 10:00 – 16:30 BST, St Margaret’s Institute, North Oxford
The Mettā Sutta looks at the entire spiritual path through the lens of good will and love. We will investigate how you can use the practice of metta to purify your virtue, to super-charge your meditation, and finally to take you to the deepest insights of the Buddhist path. Moreover, the path of metta is a path of happiness and ease. If you agree that the spiritual life should be uplifting and fun, see you there!
The venue is near the lovely Port Meadow and canals. We will have the use of main hall and a kitchenette for the whole day, and two break-out rooms from 11.30-4pm, where you can eat your packed lunch and relax.
“The Mystery of Letting Go: How to do it at Will!“
Dhamma Talk At London Buddhist Vihara, Chiswick, Mon 22nd June,19:00 – 20:30
Why is it so hard to let go? Why is it that we usually can’t do it when we try, but then it happens out of the blue? We will investigate the process of letting go and try to understand the mechanism behind it. Once we gain more clarity, we can use this to our advantage. Instead of trying hard and getting frustrated, we allow the path to unfold naturally.
NO REGISTRATION NECESSARY, ATTENDANCE IS BY DONATION
The Nightingale Retreat with Ajahn Brahmali, June 2023