ABC sangha retreat
Exploring the role of beauty in the spiritual life
Sangharakshita argues that appreciating beauty—whether in nature, literature, or art—is not a distraction from spiritual practice, but rather an essential catalyst for it.
He posits that the experience of true beauty elevates the mind, softens the heart, and acts as a stepping stone toward transcendental truth.
We’ll be exploring this theme through three of Sangharakshita’s essays: Learning to see, Standing Still & The Simple Life. And of course we’ll be meditating and enjoying the wild beauty of Sudarshanaloka together.
Retreats are where we can get a real sense of the potential of practice, because life gets pared back and the usual demands on our time drop away. They also allow an intensity and consistency of practice to emerge.
If you've not been on retreat with us before, we will have a mix of meditation, ritual, Dharma talks, discussion and personal reflection. The retreat will aim to take everyone deeper in their practice. If it's your first retreat, it may feel challenging at times, but you'll have the support of others around you. And while there will be periods of extended silence, there will be plenty of time to connect with others and get to know each other as well. Friendship is an important aspect of practice. All this takes place in the forested hills of Sudarshanaloka Retreat Centre in the Coromandel, near Thames.
Bookings close Wednesday 7 October at 12 noon.
This retreat is for people who have been coming along to the Auckland Buddhist Centre classes and have already learned our two main meditation practices.
Send the Auckland Buddhist Centre an email to register your interest in attending the first three days only (Saturday night to Tuesday after breakfast). We'll let you know if we have spots free and can accommodate you.
When
Finish: 17 October 2026 at 12:00pm
Cost
Cash rates (internet banking / EFTPOS / cash): $512 / $565 / $618
Credit card rates: $526 / $580 / $633
Self-select your rate based on payment method and your circumstances. The low rates cover our raw costs. The mid rate helps cover accommodation for one team member. The high rate gives a little to the centre as well, which enables us to help others get on retreat.
Caring for each other's health
Before attending, please read our current Covid Guidelines. This is part of how we practice together.
Led by
Vajrasarasi
I came into contact with the Dharma in 2004 in the UK, arriving in Auckland NZ in 2006 with a job offer and knowing that a Triratna Centre existed…
Akasasri
For much of my life the outdoors and living with nature, especially New Zealand’s beautiful mountains, forests, rivers and coasts, has been where I…
Ratnavyuha
I've been actively involved with the Triratna Buddhist community since 1992 when I was still at University. As with many other people, my personal…