Men’s* Retreat: The Arrival of the Shaman
Our annual weekend retreat at Brinscall Hall. This retreat will be led by Lokeshvara on the theme The Arrival of the Shaman.
Sangharakshita describes the Buddha as he appears in the very early canon as like the ‘primitive shaman’, and he renders the first utterance of the newly awakened Buddha like this:
In truth, when things grow plain to the holy man, who is spiritually on fire and deep in meditation, his doubts all vanish, since he knows that nothing is permanent. Everything arises in dependence upon certain causes and conditions.
All Buddhist practice begins with and returns to this moment. The Buddha broke through to freedom. Freedom meant no more anger, resentment, jealousy. It meant clarity, reverence, wonder, stability.
Going back to these early stories, the images, and getting as close as possible to the words that the newly Enlightened Buddha can show us something profound and vital.
How do we become the Buddha? One of the most potent forms of transformation is to see all of our Buddhist practice as a sacred ritual.
Done well, rituals can activate something very deep and primal within us that aligns with the nature of reality. This not only means chanting sacred verses and mantras. It is the chance to see all the mundane actions of our lives as something with sacred potential. Life itself can then become filled with the energy of transformation. This is who the real shaman is.
Who is the Retreat for?
It's for you if you have attended an introduction to Buddhism course, or have been coming to Tools for Living or Young Buddhists for six months, as well as for Order members and Mitras. You will need to be familiar with the two meditation practices we teach here, and open to Buddhist ritual. Please get in touch if you’re not sure.* While clarity is sought how to run and advertise our single sex events in line with UK law (we are not alone with this) we want to make it clear that this event is open to both trans-men and non-binary people (male at birth)
Health Issues
If there are any health issues, physical, emotional or mental, that could affect your participation in a course or event, please contact the Buddhist Centre at info@manchesterbuddhistcentre.org.uk, and ask to talk confidentially to one of our Order members, before deciding whether to attend.Venue
The retreat is at Brinscall Hall near Chorley, Lancashire, a beautiful Victorian country house set in rambling gardens - map link below. Owned by the School of Practical Philosophy, Brinscall Hall is used to hosting retreats. All vegan meals are included, and lots of cups of tea.
About the Building
• Disabled access is good on the ground floor but less so upstairs• Accommodation is in shared rooms with a very limited number of single and twin rooms reserved for those with medical requirements - please discuss arrangements with us before booking - you may need to go on a waiting list
• All beds are singles; there are no bunk beds. Quilt and pillow are provided but you need to take a sheet, pillow case and quilt cover or sleeping bag - the venue does not have spares!
• Also please bring your own meditation blanket (Mats, cushions and chairs are provided)
• There's plenty of camping space if you prefer the outdoors and can bring your own equipment
• There is limited space for electric hook up of vans - please arrange this with us before booking
Accommodation Queries? Get in Touch
Please contact us on info@manchesterbuddhistcentre.org.uk with any queries about the venue; to discuss any medical requirements around food, access or sleeping arrangements; and to make any agreed reservations. Please don't contact Brinscall Hall direct. Thanks.Prices
£170 standard rate / £125 concessionary / £80 age 18 - 25. Payment still a problem? As a small unfunded charity, the Centre relies on the generosity of people who come here, but we don't want to turn anyone away from our events. Please contact the Centre Team on info@manchesterbuddhistcentre.org.uk and look at getting help from our Retreat Bursary Fund.Booking your Place
• Book here online or at reception when we're open - 0161 834 9232• If payment is an issue or you have any questions, email info@manchesterbuddhistcentre.org.uk or ring 0161 834 9232 during opening hours
• Booking for someone else online? Tell us in the Additional Information box at checkout
• Read our Privacy Policy
More Information
• Bookings close at 11 pm on Wednesday 7th October
• Capacity for the venue is around 30 people
• Full joining details will be sent after booking
• Please arrive between 4:30 – 6:30 pm in time for the evening meal
• There’s a local train station and taxi service and we encourage people to travel together
• You might like to bring a note book and pen
Not been on Retreat before?
Well, here’s a great place to start, in the friendly company of some faces you may already know or have seen online, all of us coming together to create a sense of community and belonging as we share our journey together. A Manchester Buddhist Centre retreat can help you develop friendship, deepen meditation and discover new inspirations for your practice.
What if I have to cancel?
If you need to cancel your booking for any reason, please get in touch with us as soon as possible at info@manchesterbuddhistcentre.org.uk0 people are attending Men’s* Retreat: The Arrival of the Shaman