Weekend Meditation Retreat at Ards Friary, Creeslough, Co. Donegal, F92 Y23R
6pm, Fri 29th Sep – 2pm, Sun 1st Oct 2023
In today’s society, it’s increasingly common that feelings of anxiety, worry and sometimes fear plague our everyday lives and that feelings of insecurity and lacking confidence hold us back from fulfilling our potential. Consequently we never really feel at ease in ourselves, fully present for our interactions with others, and life can feel overwhelming.
Practising meditation and Buddhist teachings has the transformative power to help us step out of this experience.
In this weekend retreat, we will have the space and time to be guided with Buddha’s wisdom to understand the causes of anxiety and fear.
Then we will learn and train in practical techniques, that we can apply in daily life, and be able to reconnect with our own peaceful heart, and to live a joyful, relaxed and meaningful life.
Silence
One of the conducive conditions of this retreat is the practice of observing silence in the mornings. Maintaining periods of silence during such a guided retreat enables the mind to become very peaceful and concentrated in a relatively short period of time and enhances the meditative experience.
The Teacher
Guiding the sessions will be Buddhist nun and Guest Teacher Gen Varahi, a student of Buddhist master Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche, she can offer gentle guidance and the clear wisdom of ancient Buddhist practice in a way that’s suitable for everyone of any age, background or belief. Known for the clarity and strength of her teachings, as well as her kind and caring nature, this rare guest visit from Gen Varahi is one not to be missed.
The Location
Ards Friary lies within 200 acres of grounds with access to beautiful beaches. Ards hosts some spectacular views. Its peace and serenity have meditative qualities, allowing you to wonder and explore. Ards Country park is next to the Friary and walks from the Friary, extend into it, allowing you to venture even further.
For anyone using public transport we can suggest Gallaghers Coaches http://www.gallagherscoaches.com/BelfastDonegal.htm who travel between Belfast and Creeslough and include collection points along the route.
Retreat Schedule
Schedule for the silence periods, meditations and meals
Friday
Registration 1700
Supper from 1800
2000 – 2130 Introductory Talk and Meditation
Saturday ( Silent until 1300 )
0815 – 0900 Breakfast
0900 – 1030 Session 1
1130 – 1300 Session 2
1300 – Lunch
1630 – 1800 Session 3
1800 – Supper
1930 – 2100 Session 4
Sunday ( Silent until 1300 )
0800 – 0900 Breakfast
0900 – 1030 Session 5
1130 – 1300 Session 6
1300 – Lunch