Sadhana is the main expression of the principle of spiritual rebirth in the Order. During this retreat we will contemplate the evolution of sadhana as an Order practice and explore the stages through which sadhana plays out. As well as being redolent with rich images from the sambhogakaya, sadhana also requires presence, inviting the accomplishment of both tranquillity and insight, shamatha and vipashyana.

We will explore how these qualities relate to the dynamic or unfolding of sadhana, suggesting practical ways of evoking the samayasattva, the imaginal sense of the Buddha or Bodhisattva which we conjure up. And we’ll explore the relationship between this and the jnanasattva – the direct, undivided knowing that emerges as the ‘illuminated image’.

The retreat will provide an excellent context to engage, or re–engage, with sadhana including plenty of support and inspiration, pujas devoted to various Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, silence and one–to–one practice reviews.