Sangha Retreat

Sunday 30th March saw some of us in the centre at Berkeley Street for a day retreat for Sangha. Moksadhi has been keen to re-introduce these days which were popular before lockdown. She and Dhirajyoti - our Mitra Convenors - led the day with Ben and Lara. I was delighted when they invited me to join them. There was a lovely mix of experience on the day with some people who had attended the recent level 2 course as well as Mitras and Order members.

The morning was meditative with Moksadhi leading us in a triple meditation with a silent tea break. There was a lovely still atmosphere in the shrine room and afterwards everyone agreed that it had been a nourishing morning. It isn’t often we have the opportunity to deepen our practice collectively in the midst of our busy lives and in the heart of the city. For some people it was the first time they had attended a retreat of any length and it strengthened resolve to further explore retreats.

In the afternoon, Ben and Lara gave excellent short talks on being Mitras. They told us of their journey to the Mitra ceremony and how being a Mitra has affected them. There was a lovely moment when Lara told us that Ben had been the first Mitra she had met when she attended a level 1 course and that he had explained what a Mitra was and now here they were both on the team for the retreat.

After the talks we split into two groups: one with Mitras and Order members and the other for newer people. In the former, we each shared our journey to becoming Mitras which was very enjoyable. Lots of differences and lots of similarities. In the other group, they explored the talks with Dhirajyoti, Ben and Lara. After a tea break I talked a little bit about ritual and led us in a three fold Puja.

I certainly appreciated the day and had the impression that it was enjoyed by everyone who attended. There are 2 more Sangha Day Retreats planned later in the year and EVERYONE is welcome to attend. The more the merrier. It is so good to practice together.

A week later we celebrated Triratna day but more about that next time.

Meanwhile: may all beings be well, may all beings find true happiness and its causes and may all beings be free from suffering.