GRACE UNFOLDING  -  LIVING THE AUTHENTIC LIFE

A WOMEN’S WEEKEND RETREAT

Facilitated by  - Sister Shalom, Caitlin, and Rei

Friday 24th July 6pm  TO Sunday 26 JULY 2pm

“the stars began to burn

through the sheets of clouds,

and there was a new voice

which you slowly

recognized as your own”

― Mary Oliver

This is the path of Grace Unfolding - to find our own way … listening for our own authentic voice,   allowing ourselves to come home, to be at ease within, ourselves and at ease with each other.

In the embrace of a gentle practice schedule of sitting and walking meditation,  we will have opportunities to enjoy time for contemplation,  space and rest, vibrance and nature , and sessions to explore through movement and stillness.  

Retreat cost and Dana:

Cost (food and accommodation): $200-$250 (sliding scale - please pay according to your means)

Offering Dana for the Teacher and teachings can be paid into 03 0458 0238459 000 (or offered into the Dana bowl at the time of the retreat)  Dana - donation payments are tax deductible so must be referenced as Dana or Donation . You can find more information here.

When making a Dana payment via internet banking, Please include “Teacher’s Dana ‘. in the reference field.

How to register.... 

If this will be your first retreat at Dharma Gaia, we'd love to get to know you a little before the retreat. Please send us an email with your name and contact details, gender and age, as well a little about any experience you have with mindfulness or meditation. We're also keen to know how you found out about Dharma Gaia and what you hope the retreat will support you with.

TO CONFIRM YOUR BOOKING please make payment into:

Account Number 03-0458-0013241-000

Please confirm your payment with an email to peace@dharmagaia.org

CANCELLATION POLICY

When we prepare for a retreat each one of you counts and is counted in the number of beds that are made and the amount of food that is cooked. As we are often booked out quite quickly, a cancellation can prevent someone else from joining us.

In the event of a cancellation up to 10 days prior to the starting date of the retreat, we can offer a 75% refund or the funds can be carried over to your next retreat.  

However, a cancellation within 10 days of the retreat starting date is non-refundable.

We write this in light of goodwill and in the understanding that life being life, things may change at the very last minute. Please, contact us to share/explain your circumstances.

LOVING THE EARTH - PLANTING OUR TREES

10 -12 July 2020

A school holiday retreat offered by Dharma Gaia’s young Leaders Rei and Julian

for our Dharma Gaia young practitioners (10years and over)

We have long wanted to have a winter tree planting weekend for our lovely young people that attend retreats at Dharma Gaia.  This year we begin and we are very happy that our young Resident Leaders Rei and Julian are excited to facilitate this weekend (with the elders in support).  

The weekend will include tree planting, bush walking, creative expression, bell inviting, Teen-Power Session- developing inner strength and freedom, plus plenty of hang-out time, eating, sleeping and enjoying friendship and  Dharma Gaia.

For this first retreat we can only offer a small number of residential places for young people who will not have to travel very far and who will commit to share transport. This retreat is available only for those who have already practiced in the Plum Village Practice at Dharma Gaia.

Parents who wish to join are also welcome

SPECIAL LOW COST:   Adults  $80     Students   $60   (cost negotiable if this is difficult)

Plus please offer some Dana for our young leaders - Rei and Julian

We would also very much appreciate if families can offer food - prepared or fresh produce

DATES AND TIMES:  Friday 10 July  6pm to Sunday 12 July 2pm

If you wish to register please do so asap by emailing peace@dharmagaia.org as this retreat is not far away.

2020 Dharma Gaia Rains Retreat

8 July to 31 August 2020

A 55 day winter practice programme

This Rains Retreat practice programme is composed of guided practice at home, weekly online sessions led by Dharma Teachers and the Dharma Gaia Sangha, practical and sharing support in local sanghas and study groups, and culminating in a 10 Day Residential Retreat at Dharma Gaia from the 21st to the 31st of August  (The 1st of September will be a great and integration day.)

The rains retreat programme is for people who have already practiced in the Plum Village tradition and are familiar with the way of practice as taught by Venerable Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh. If you have not practiced in this tradition but wish to attend please write a request o the Dharma Teachers to assess if this is a suitable Retreat for you.

The teachings and guidance will cover 7 themes over the 55 day period

The at-home six-week practice: Each week will be based on one of the themes as a place of practicing mindfulness in daily life, of contemplation and opportunities to read or watch further dharma talks if you wish. Journaling daily will help keep your practice commitment, Supports/guidelines/readings etc will be offered for each of the weekly themes:

REGISTRATION:

For The 6-week NON RESIDENTIAL COMPONENT: we invite you to register as a way to be supported in your commitment and to feel part of the Dharma Gaia community over the 55 days of the Rains Retreat. In order to receive full ongoing details for practice at home and in local sangha and to receive the zoom access details for the Wednesday night sessions at Dharma Gaia. Please register by email peace@dharmagaia.org 

Cost:  There is no set cost for the first six-week non-residential component. Dharma Gaia is offering this purely on the basis of donation/dana. See the account details below.

 The FINAL 10 days of this practice period will be offered as a Residential component:: Cost will be on a sliding scale and will be announced here soon: For now we welcome your early registration by emailing us your details  peace@dharmagaia.org - subject line 10 DAY RESIDENTIAL RETREAT. Confirmation of a place on the retreat will be possible once full registration fee is confirmed.

RETREAT DETAILS

Wednesday 8 July  7.30pm - 9pm - OPENING CEREMONY AT DHARMA GAIA and also offered VIA ZOOM

Thereafter every Wednesday night practice until the 19th August we will be dedicating our zoom sessions to our Rains Retreat theme for that week.  

We encourage the local sanghas and study groups to also dedicate their sessions over this period to the Rains Retreat themes - more details from the various practice groups will be posted here as the groups have practices to offer.

The six-week Home programme

Week 1 - July 9 to 15  BODY AWARENESS  Please try to journal every day.  

This week of home practice has two aspects:

1. We will focus on one specific activity and our practice will be Awareness of Our Body - You may take one aspect of your real life - walking to work, eating, exercise, playing a musical instrument, bathing children, cleaning, doing dishes, inviting the bell. Whatever you choose it should be a committed practice for every day for the week.

2. And our second practice this week is to  start out with our hands in the soil … and our awareness in the soil of our minds.

Embodying our practice in a concrete way of supporting ourselves/supporting the planet. Our focus is to prepare a physical place for planting a tree. This is an inward investigation and an outward action. We can contemplate ..How connected am I to the earth? In planting a tree -  How much care and thought will go into my preparation? Seeing … am I in a hurry, fearful, joyful, trusting, seeing my actions as important for self/others/future generations.  Then can I use this seeing as a mirror and a support for awareness/transformation of how I do anything? PLANT A TREE THIS WEEK and remember to journal about observations of how you do an activity.

Further practice details for the following periods will be added to this website as we progress through the Rains Retreat.

Week 2 - July 16 to 22   Body in motion, Body at rest  

Week 3- July 23 to 29  Sensory Awareness Body in connection and separation

Week 4 - July 30 to August 5  Body and Mind are one  

Week 5 - August 6 to 12  Feelings/Emotions   

Week 6 - August 13 to 19  Me/Interbe    

19 and 20 August reviewing and relaxing. Please use your daily journal.

From 21 August to 31 August - this is the Residential 10 day Retreat at Dharma Gaia  (full Information for this residential component of the Rains Retreat Practice can be found here).

The best way of taking care of the future is by looking after the present...being deeply aware of what is going on inside and around us in each moment.

This retreat will help us to recognise when we are lost in the past or anxious about the future. We will learn how to develop presence, a calm clear state we can experience when we are deeply aware of and engaged in life.

The retreat programme will include a Dharma talk, deep relaxation, and periods for contemplation, as well as sitting and walking meditation, and sharing. 

Join us on this retreat to learn about the practice of taking of the future in this moment.

About the Teachers: 

Anton is a student of Thich Nhat Hanh and Sister Shalom. Since receiving the lamp from Thich Nhat Hanh in 2014, Anton has offered teaching and support, drawing on his long term practice and life experience. A founding guardian of Dharma Gaia, parent and enthusiastic gardener, Anton is deeply inspired to share this path of mindfulness practice in ways that are easily applied to daily life. Anton enjoys continuing to transform and grow his happiness with others.

Caitlin is a member of the Order of Interbeing and received the Lamp (Permission to Teach) in 2018. She became a student of the Venerable Thich Nhat Hanh in 1998, when a friend invited her to join a sangha (community of mindfulness practice) in Edinburgh, Scotland. Caitlin enjoys offering a wide range of practices, including Dharma sharing and deep relaxation. Caitlin’s interests include facilitation, communication and socially engaged practice. 

Retreat cost and Dana:

Cost (food and accommodation): $200-$250 (sliding scale - please pay according to your means)

Offering Dana for the Teacher and teachings can be paid into 03 0458 0238459 000 (or offered into the Dana bowl at the time of the retreat)  Dana - donation payments are tax deductible so must be referenced as Dana or Donation . You can find more information here.

When making a Dana payment via internet banking, Please include “Teacher’s Dana ‘. in the reference field.

How to register.... 

If this will be your first retreat at Dharma Gaia, we'd love to get to know you a little before the retreat. Please send us an email with your name and contact details, gender and age, as well a little about any experience you have with mindfulness or meditation. We're also keen to know how you found out about Dharma Gaia and what you hope the retreat will support you with.

TO CONFIRM YOUR BOOKING please make payment into:

Account Number 03-0458-0013241-000

Please confirm your payment with an email to peace@dharmagaia.org

CANCELLATION POLICY

When we prepare for a retreat each one of you counts and is counted in the number of beds that are made and the amount of food that is cooked. As we are often booked out quite quickly, a cancellation can prevent someone else from joining us.

In the event of a cancellation up to 10 days prior to the starting date of the retreat, we can offer a 75% refund or the funds can be carried over to your next retreat.  

However, a cancellation within 10 days of the retreat starting date is non-refundable.

We write this in light of goodwill and in the understanding that life being life, things may change at the very last minute. Please, contact us to share/explain your circumstances.

…More details to be confirmed soon…

About the Teacher: 

Anton is a student of Thich Nhat Hanh and Sister Shalom. Since receiving the lamp from Thich Nhat Hanh in 2014, Anton has offered teaching and support, drawing on his long term practice and life experience. A founding guardian of Dharma Gaia, parent and enthusiastic gardener, Anton is deeply inspired to share this path of mindfulness practice in ways that are easily applied to daily life. Anton enjoys continuing to transform and grow his happiness with others.

Retreat cost and Dana:

Cost (food and accommodation): $200-$250 (sliding scale - please pay according to your means)

Offering Dana for the Teacher and teachings can be paid into 03 0458 0238459 000 (or offered into the Dana bowl at the time of the retreat)  Dana - donation payments are tax deductible so must be referenced as Dana or Donation . You can find more information here:

Dana/gratitude

When making a Dana payment via internet banking, Please include “Teacher’s Dana ‘. in the reference field

How to register.... 

If this will be your first retreat at Dharma Gaia, we'd love to get to know you a little before the retreat. Please send us an email with your name and contact details, gender and age, as well a little about any experience you have with mindfulness or meditation. We're also keen to know how you found out about Dharma Gaia and what you hope the retreat will support you with.

TO CONFIRM YOUR BOOKING please make payment into:

Account Number 03-0458-0013241-000

Please confirm your payment with an email to peace@dharmagaia.org

CANCELLATION POLICY

When we prepare for a retreat each one of you counts and is counted in the number of beds that are made and the amount of food that is cooked. As we are often booked out quite quickly, a cancellation can prevent someone else from joining us.

In the event of a cancellation up to 10 days prior to the starting date of the retreat, we can offer a 75% refund or the funds can be carried over to your next retreat.  

However, a cancellation within 10 days of the retreat starting date is non-refundable.

We write this in light of goodwill and in the understanding that life being life, things may change at the very last minute. Please, contact us to share/explain your circumstances.

This retreat is for friends who have formally received the Fourteen Mindfulness Trainings as the basis of their lives, and have made a commitment to support their sangha. Together we are known as the Order of Interbeing. Aspirants are our friends who have formally received the Five Mindfulness Trainings and are on the path to becoming Order members.

During this at-home retreat, we will practice to be joyfully together as an Order and Aspirant sangha, and to touch our connection with our whole human sangha and the Earth. The retreat will support us to touch deep nourishment in our practice of mindfulness and steadiness in these challenging times. This retreat will be offered by Tiaki Rōpū - the caretaking group of the Order of Interbeing.

MY BELOVED - ARE YOU SURE? 

Growing our happiness with a kind and curious mind

We can make our world more peaceful when we use mindfulness to calm our body and mind. We can then bring kindness and curiosity to look more deeply into our mind. The question “Are You Sure?” helps us to recognise our habitual ways of thinking. By practising to recognise and understand our beliefs, views and perceptions that cause ourselves and others to suffer, we have the chance to experience life anew.

This mindfulness retreat offers you the opportunity to rest, contemplate and come home to yourself with the support of Dharma talks, mindfulness practice, and opportunities to share, learn, and simply Be together. 

The retreat will be offered by Dharma teachers Anton Bank and Caitlin Bush with support from  Dharma Gaia practice friends.

Retreat cost and Dana:

Cost (food and accommodation): $200-$250 (sliding scale - please pay according to your means)

Dana: Our teachers offer teachings in the spirit of dana (generosity), so that they are available for all. By offering your financial support to the teachers, you enable the teachings to continue to be offered to others as they have been to you.

For more information about Dana, please click here Dana/gratitude 

How to register...

If this will be your first retreat at Dharma Gaia, we'd love to get to know you a little before the retreat. Please email us with your name and contact details, gender, age, and any experience you have with mindfulness or meditation. We're also keen to know how you found out about Dharma Gaia and what you hope the retreat will support you with.

TO CONFIRM YOUR BOOKING please make payment into:

Account Number 03-0458-0013241-000       

Please confirm your payment with an email to peace@dharmagaia.org

CANCELLATION POLICY

When we prepare for a retreat each one of you counts and is counted in the number of beds that are made and the amount of food that is cooked. As we are often booked out quite quickly, a cancellation can prevent someone else from joining us.

In the event of a cancellation up to 10 days prior to the starting date of the retreat, we can offer a 75% refund or the funds can be carried over to your next retreat.

However, a cancellation within 10 days of the retreat starting date is non-refundable.

We write this in light of goodwill and in the understanding that life being life, things may change at the very last minute. Please, contact us to share/explain your circumstances.

How to offer dana...

Offering dana for the teachers and teachings can be paid into 03-0458-0238459-000 or offered into the Dana bowl at the time of the retreat. Dana/donation payments are tax deductible so must be referenced -  dana or donation.

While many conditions of change and uncertainty can be met and well integrated in our daily life, the 'curve balls' of unexpected change and difficulties can bring up feelings of anxiety, low mood and disconnection.

In this retreat you will be supported with Dharma talks, various forms of mindfulness practice and opportunities to share together to deepen our capacity to live kindly and skillfully with change and uncertainty.

About the Teachers: 

Anton is a student of Thich Nhat Hanh and Sister Shalom. Since receiving the lamp from Thich Nhat Hanh in 2014, Anton has offered teaching and support, drawing on his long term practice and life experience. A founding guardian of Dharma Gaia, parent and enthusiastic gardener, Anton is deeply inspired to share this path of mindfulness practice in ways that are easily applied to daily life. Anton enjoys continuing to transform and grow his happiness with others.

Caitlin is a member of the Order of Interbeing and received the Lamp (Permission to Teach) in 2018. She became a student of the Venerable Thich Nhat Hanh in 1998, when a friend invited her to join a sangha (community of mindfulness practice) in Edinburgh, Scotland. Caitlin enjoys offering a wide range of practices, including Dharma sharing and deep relaxation. Caitlin’s interests include facilitation, communication and socially engaged practice. 

Retreat cost and Dana:

Cost (food and accommodation): $200-$250 (sliding scale - please pay according to your means)

Offering Dana for the Teacher and teachings can be paid into 03 0458 0238459 000 (or offered into the Dana bowl at the time of the retreat) Dana - donation payments are tax deductible so must be referenced as Dana or Donation . You can find more information here

Dana/gratitude

When making a Dana payment via internet banking, Please include “Teacher’s Dana ‘. in the reference field

How to register.... 

If this will be your first retreat at Dharma Gaia, we'd love to get to know you a little before the retreat. Please send us an email with your name and contact details, gender and age, as well a little about any experience you have with mindfulness or meditation. We're also keen to know how you found out about Dharma Gaia and what you hope the retreat will support you with.

TO CONFIRM YOUR BOOKING please make payment into:

Account Number 03-0458-0013241-000

Please confirm your payment with an email to peace@dharmagaia.org

CANCELLATION POLICY

When we prepare for a retreat each one of you counts and is counted in the number of beds that are made and the amount of food that is cooked. As we are often booked out quite quickly, a cancellation can prevent someone else from joining us.

In the event of a cancellation up to 10 days prior to the starting date of the retreat, we can offer a 75% refund or the funds can be carried over to your next retreat.  

However, a cancellation within 10 days of the retreat starting date is non-refundable.

We write this in light of goodwill and in the understanding that life being life, things may change at the very last minute. Please, contact us to share/explain your circumstances.

It is a common belief that we are what we eat but many of us see this only in terms of edible food. The Buddha offered profound teachings on three other forms of ‘food’ that we are taking in and being affected by in every moment of our lives. When we understand these other three deeply we have the power to feed ourselves well and to make not just our bodies, but also our minds and hearts vibrant and healthy.

During this retreat, we will explore and experience the teaching on the four nutriments and become familiar with ways we can truly nourish and enhance our lives.

We will enjoy sitting and walking meditation, mindful meals, gentle yoga, time in nature, and thoughtful discussions in an intimate group setting.

Please note we have had a change of Teachers for this retreat which will now be wonderfully offered by Dharma Teachers Anton Bank and Caitlin Bush

Anton is a student of Thich Nhat Hanh and Sister Shalom. Since receiving the lamp from Thich Nhat Hanh in 2014, Anton has offered teaching and support, drawing on his long term practice and life experience. A founding guardian of Dharma Gaia, parent and enthusiastic gardener, Anton is deeply inspired to share this path of mindfulness practice in ways that are easily applied to daily life. Anton enjoys continuing to transform and grow his happiness with others.

Caitlin is a member of the Order of Interbeing and received the Lamp (Permission to Teach) in 2018. She became a student of the Venerable Thich Nhat Hanh in 1998, when a friend invited her to join a sangha (community of mindfulness practice) in Edinburgh, Scotland. Caitlin enjoys offering a wide range of practices, including Dharma sharing and deep relaxation. Caitlin’s interests include facilitation, communication and socially engaged practice. 

Retreat cost ACCOMMODATION AND FOOD: $280 - $330 (The cost is a sliding scale - please pay according to your means) TO CONFIRM YOUR PLACE payment of the Retreat cost should be paid into Account Number 03-0458-0013241-000 and please confirm by email peace@dharmagaia.org

Offerings for the teachings are made separately into account number 03 0458 0238459 000 which is different from the Retreat booking account above (or offered into the Dana bowl at the time of the retreat) Please mark this as ‘Teacher’s Dana ‘ This donation is tax-deductible so must be referenced as Dana or Donation. You can find more information here Dana/gratitude 

CANCELLATION POLICY

In the event of a cancellation up to 10 days prior to the starting date of the retreat, we can offer a full refund or the funds can be carried over to your next retreat. However, a cancellation within 10 days of the retreat starting date is non-refundable.

NB - This retreat is now fully booked. Please email us to be placed on the waiting list and we will contact you if there has been a cancellation.

Summer Retreat is one of Dharma Gaia`s favourite retreats. This is a wonderful time of practising mindfulness in a relaxed and warm everyday way and thoroughly enjoying living and learning.

All are welcome - singles, couples, families, children, teens, parents and non-parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and friends. This is a wonderful time of practicing Mindfulness in a relaxed and warm everyday way and thoroughly enjoying living and learning. Many friends have been coming every year and yet there is always space to welcome new friends and families.

This retreat fills fast: so if you are interested in joining us please don`t wait to book your place. 

Tenting welcome.

CANCELLATION POLICY

When we prepare for a retreat each one of you counts and is counted in the number of beds that are made and the amount of food that is cooked. As we are often booked out quite quickly, a cancellation can prevent someone else from joining us.

In the event of a cancellation up to 10 days prior to the starting date of the retreat, we can offer a full refund or the funds can be carried over to your next retreat.

However, a cancellation within 10 days of the retreat starting date is non-refundable.

We write this in light of goodwill and in the understanding that life being life, things may change at the very last minute. Please, contact us to share/explain your circumstances.

Cost for Teachings: Please offer Dana/gratitude for the teachings. In accordance with Buddhist practice of Dana (generosity) the teacher does not ask for a set fee but relies on the participant to offer according to their means and desire to offer gratitude and support. This payment should be referenced ”Teacher DANA” and can be paid into this account 03 0458 0238459 000 . or can be offered at the retreat. The Dana/donation for teachers is also eligible for a tax deduction receipt.

Joyous and Contemplative 5 day Retreat 

Do you long for a quieter more deeply connected Christmas Season? Here is an opportunity to rest  into the Dharma Gaia Community and the practice of true presence. To touch the ultimate, timeless dimension of spirituality beyond the boundaries of separate beliefs and ideologies.

Our practice is simple and profound - to come home to ourselves, to the depth of being alive,  For this sacred period, we allow ourselves time and space to be free from the stresses and consumerism that often dulls the true beauty and essence of these holi-days. 

We come together in the spirit of simplicity, harmony, peace and  ease. We will take refuge in the fresh sustaining food from the garden, the grace of the natural environment,  sitting and walking meditations, teachings on true presence and ‘being’  connected to the loving and caring community. The schedule will also be spacious to allow time for peaceful contemplation and personal discovery. These are our Christmas Presents.

This retreat is for anyone regardless of spiritual tradition or belief, who desires a place to “Be” for Christmas which is intimate, quiet and encouraging of deep rest and inner peace.

Sister Shalom is returning to Dharma Gaia to support this special retreat. We have limited places so please confirm bookings early to avoid disappointment.

Retreat cost ACCOMMODATION AND FOOD: $520 - $420 (The cost is a sliding scale - please pay according to your means) TO CONFIRM YOUR PLACE payment of the Retreatcost should be paid into Account Number 03-0458-0013241-000 and please confirm by email peace@dharmagaia.org

Offerings for the teachings are made separately into account number t 03 0458 0238459 000 which is different from the Retreat booking account above (or offered into the Dana bowl at the time of the retreat) Please mark this as ‘Teacher’s Dana ‘ This donation is tax-deductible so must be referenced as Dana or Donation. You can find more information here Dana/gratitude 

During this retreat, we will practice mindfulness - coming home to ourselves through resting, playing, being and sharing together in a supportive atmosphere with new or familiar Men friends.

6pm Friday 22 Nov -  2pm Sunday 24 Nov

Cost (food and accommodation): $200-$250 (sliding scale - please pay according to your means)

TO CONFIRM YOUR BOOKING please make payment into:

Account Number 03-0458-0013241-000

Please confirm your payment with an email to peace@dharmagaia.org

Offering Dana for the Teacher and teachings can be paid into 03 0458 0238459 000 (or offered into the Dana bowl at the time of the retreat) Dana - donation payments are tax deductible so must be referenced as Dana or Donation . You can find more information here

Dana/gratitude

When making a Dana payment via internet banking, Please include “Teacher’s Dana ‘. in the reference field

This is the annual three-day retreat with Sister Shalom and the Nelson Centre of Mindful Living

venue:

WHANGAPEKA STUDY AND RETREAT CENTRE

355 Wangapeka River Rd
R.D.2. Wakefield 7096
New Zealand

The Gift of a Quiet Mind

In the busy world we live in, a quiet, clear mind is a gift.  Come and join us for some practical mindfulness tools and techniques that will help you still your mind.  A quiet mind helps you have better clarity and an improved ability to respond to life with wisdom and compassion, rather than reacting out of our old habits.

This three-day retreat also gives you an opportunity to refresh and recharge.

Sister’s teachings are gentle and based in the everyday world.

If you haven't been to retreats before, be reassured that this one is an easy one to join.  We are only silent overnight (from 9pm until after breakfast) and teachings are based on a supportive and nourishing approach. 

No matter what your experience is you are welcome to attend.

For people from all walks of life and all traditions

Friday 1 November:  4.30pm

Monday 4 November: 3pm

Cost: Accommodation and Food Sliding scale, according to your means, $250-$300 

For the Teachings please offer Dana according to your means. For more information about ‘dana please see Dana /donate

For further information please email: mindfulnelsonnz@gmail.com

Sister Shalom

Sister Shalom is an ordained Buddhist nun with 25 years of training and practice. She brings to her teachings all the richness from her preordination life as a single parent, cancer survivor and therapist. She has an infectious joy for life and a deep commitment to passing on the tools that have transformed her life.

Dharma Gaia is a small retreat centre nestled in a peaceful native bush setting. We offer nourishing vegetarian meals using (mostly organic) whole foods sourced largely from the Dharma Gaia garden and local growers.  Meals are enjoyed in a peaceful quiet to support the mind and body to relax and be present.

This weekend will be led by Yin Yoga teacher Karin Sang, and Dharma teachers Anton Bank and Caitlin Bush.

Karin is co-founder and teacher of Yin Therapy, offering 200-hour Yin Yoga & Anatomy Teacher Training courses, yin yoga retreats, workshops, immersions and classes in Europe and Australasia. She has been teaching yoga for over a decade having studied extensively with primary Yin Yoga teachers Paul & Suzee Grilley as well as Sarah Powers, Power Yoga founder Bryan Kest and Restorative Yoga teachers Karla Brodie and Neal Ghoshal. Her style of teaching is authentic, calming and personal, creating a nurturing and safe space for the students to surrender into themselves.  Her classes focus on the mindfulness aspect of yoga through melding the breath with the asanas with a strong emphasis on respecting and honouring the unique anatomical, emotional and physical states of the student. For further information: www.yintherapy.com

Anton is a student of Thich Nhat Hanh and Sister Shalom. Since receiving the lamp from Thich Nhat Hanh in 2014, Anton has offered teaching and support, drawing on his long term practice and life experience. A founding guardian of Dharma Gaia, parent and enthusiastic gardener, Anton is deeply inspired to share this path of mindfulness practice in ways that are easily applied to daily life. Anton enjoys continuing to transform and grow his happiness with others.

Caitlin is a member of the Order of Interbeing and received the Lamp (Permission to Teach) in 2018. She became a student of the Venerable Thich Nhat Hanh in 1998, when a friend invited her to join a sangha (community of mindfulness practice) in Edinburgh, Scotland. Caitlin enjoys offering a wide range of practices, including Dharma sharing and deep relaxation. Caitlin’s interests include facilitation, communication and socially engaged practice.

Retreat Cost:  

Accommodation and Food  $250 - 300 (Sliding Scale pay according to your means).

To secure a place on the retreat, please make your payment to account number 03-0458-0013241-000  with reference “Yoga Retreat”. AND please also email us to confirm your payment has been made - peace@dharmagaia.org 

Cost for Teachings: Please offer Dana/gratitude for the teachings. In accordance with Buddhist practice of Dana (generosity) the teacher does not ask for a set fee but relies on the participant to offer according to their means and desire to offer gratitude and support. This payment should be referenced ”Teacher DANA” and can be paid into this account 03 0458 0238459 000 . or can be offered at the retreat. The Dana/donation for teachers is also eligible for a tax deduction receipt.

Refresh   Renew  Begin Again 

Spring Mindfulness Weekend September  2019 

6pm Friday 27 -  2pm Sunday 29  

Cost: $200-$250 (sliding scale - please pay according to your means)

All welcome to join the Residential Community of Dharma Gaia 

Come revitalise your practice

Enjoy the sweet vibrancy of the garden in spring 

And let the joy and of being in the practice community

revitalise your mindfulness practice

A retreat of Peaceful abiding.

Resting in Beauty Resting in Nature

Stopping … listening …remembering

In touch with Our Life underneath our life situation

Most of us live in forgetfulness, we are busy - too busy.  We work, we take care of our families, we socialise, plan, build, save, create, and if we remember we exercise and allow ourselves time ‘off’ weekends and holidays. Generally, our lives are lived fast and full and yet missing what is most essential ….  our presence. When we truly know how to live in awareness we carry that energy of presence into every aspect of life. We are rich and can live clearly - every aspect of life is an appointment with ourselves.

This retreat is a simple and direct invitation to you to stop.  

To simply stop and come home to yourself.  

To rediscover the power of living from presence, grounded in essential being. 

Whoever we are...whatever our circumstances, ..the potential for freedom is right here and available to each of us.  To step truly on the path of liberation we leave nothing of ourselves behind. Liberation is to wake up...it is to live fully present so that we do not lose our lives in dispersion, in regrets about the past or grasping  for the future. We live our lives right here and right now. Awareness, once rooted in our being, provides us with the vehicle to cut through suffering and illusion, to touch peace and clarity and to gain the deepest insight into  ourselves and into the nature of reality.

Sister Shalom has made the Art of Living in Presence the absolute focus of her own life and teaching over many years. Our retreat together will have periods of guided practice, enquiry, resting in nature, silence and meditation.  

The retreat will also be supported by Dharma Teacher Anton Bank and the residential community of Dharma Gaia.

Retreat Cost:  

Accommodation and Food  $300 - 240 (Sliding Scale pay according to your means) To secure a place on the retreat please make your payment to Account number 03-0458-0013241-000  with reference ‘An apt with self’ Retreat’. AND please also email us to confirm your payment has been made - peace@dharmagaia.org - Subject line please write: ” An Appointment with Myself Retreat’ 

For the Teachings: Please offer Dana/gratitude for the teachings. In accordance with Buddhist practice of Dana (generosity) the teacher does not ask for a set fee but relies on the participant to offer according to their means and desire to offer gratitude and support. This payment should be referenced ”Teacher DANA” and can be paid into this account 03 0458 0238459 000 . or can be offered at the retreat. The Dana/donation for teachers is also eligible for a tax deduction receipt.

EMPOWERMENT THROUGH THE MANIFESTATION OF PRESENCE - THE BUDDHA

The jewel at the heart of our practice is to be present.   Presence brings peace  and enables more clarity and wisdom to shine through , our everyday lives are no longer mundane, we know how to touch the richness and preciousness of each and every moment.

Our theme:  I nourish the Buddha and the Boddhisatva in me.

 What does it mean for us to be buddho …. to be awake?

How do we … bring the Buddha into the 21st century and practice in the way of awakened Being

Thich Nhat Hanh has often said …’ One Buddha is not enough’   He has also called upon us  to be the  next Buddha  the Buddha of Love.   That the next Buddha will come not as  an  individual  but  as a community.’  Being a Buddha is a joy not a chore. We know our world needs us to practice.  To be stable and  peaceful in ourselves and to bring that stability, peace and our collective insight into our  relationships  with ourselves,  with each other, our planet.

Note: This is the final week of the 21 day Winter Retreat. It is possible to attend this week if you have already attended week one or week two. For more details on the 21 day retreat please refer to retreat listing ‘THE 21 DAY WINTER RETREAT’

To register for the full 21 days or for this and one of the earlier weeks, please email peace@dharmagaia.org with the sublect line ‘21 DAY RETREAT 2019’

PAYMENT DETAILS: RETREAT COST: plus (dana support for the Teachings - see below Retreat cost)

Full 21 Day Retreat $900 - $750, (Sliding scale)

For two weeks only $650 - $550 ( please ensure you state in your registration if you wish to attend weeks 1 and 2 OR weeks 2 and 3 OR weeks 1 and 3)

Account number 03 0458 0238459 000

Please make two separate payments (with reference) for the retreat cost and for Dana/gratitude for the teaching . 

Our teachers devote much of their time to study and practice. They give teachings and support without receiving payment or wages. The teachers trust in the generosity of the participants to offer a contribution (Dana) in accordance with their means and desire to support the teachers.

Please note that this week of the 21 day Retreat can only be attended if you are also attending either week 1 or week 3 as well.

EMPOWERMENT THROUGH REALISATION OF WISDOM - A CONTEMPLATIVE WEEK OF LOOKING DEEPLY TO MANIFEST THE DHARMA WITHIN  

Our Theme:  Exploration of the Dharma - the Spiritual teachings exploring the aspects that are  relevant and immediately useful on a personal practice basis. 

 Taking the joy and community energy from week one  into ourselves and using that as a base for  quiet  personal contemplation and discovery.  

This second week of the 21 day retreat is mainly a week of enabling personal support for your Dharma. Practice .   What aspects of the Dharma do you personally want time and  support to deepen?  This will not be the same for everyone.   The  formal practice sessions  and small group Dharma sharings  will support your individual exploration,  insight and inspiration. The  schedule will offer more opportunities for personal  practice  and quiet reflection. The Dharma Teachers will offer individual and small group work  to give our practice  a boost  and enable personal focus and support.

PAYMENT DETAILS: RETREAT COST: plus (dana support for the Teachings - see below Retreat cost)

For two weeks only $650 - $550 (sliding scale)

please ensure you state in your registration if you wish to attend weeks 1 and 2 OR weeks 2 and 3 OR weeks 1 and 3

Account number 03 0458 0238459 000

Please make two separate payments (with reference) for the retreat cost and for Dana/gratitude for the teaching . 

Our teachers devote much of their time to study and practice. They give teachings and support without receiving payment or wages. The teachers trust in the generosity of the participants to offer a contribution (Dana) in accordance with their means and desire to support the teachers.

This retreat is week one of the 21 day retreat but for those who wish to join just for one week you may register for this week, arriving on the 1st of July and departing on the 7th

EMPOWERMENT THROUGH SPIRITUAL FRIENDSHIP - THE SANGHA

The Buddha praised spiritual friendship as one of the most important aspects of the spiritual life. Thich Nhat Hanh , as well as many other enlightened teachers of today speak of the next great awakening for humankind manifesting not through one enlightened being but through the awakened living of a whole community. In our tradition we treasure the spiritual community - the Sangha for our support and enrichment.

Our Theme :  Taking in and offering each other the deep companionship and joy  of  community - Sangha.  Through the joy of practicing deeply together we see how  we can be   empowered   and empower others through our relationship with Sangha .

The Buddha praised spiritual friendship as one of the most important aspects of the spiritual life. Thich Nhat Hanh, as well as many other enlightened teachers of today speak of the next  great awakening for humankind manifesting not through one enlightened being but through  the awakened living of a whole community. 

In our tradition we treasure the spiritual community - the Sangha for our support and enrich-ment. We take time to enjoy and grow our  connections and explore the power  of ‘Sangha’  in  the Plum  Village tradition and what that means for us in todays world.

We practice and we play.  We rest and nourish ourselves in nature and togetherness.

PAYMENT DETAILS: RETREAT COST: plus (dana support for the Teachings - see below Retreat cost)

For this one week section of the 21 day retreat $450 - $350 ((sliding scale)

further costs to do weeks 2 and 3 please see the main listing for the 21 Day Retreat.

Account number 03 0458 0238459 000

Please make two separate payments (with reference) for the retreat cost and for Dana/gratitude for the teaching . 

Our teachers devote much of their time to study and practice. They give teachings and support without receiving payment or wages. The teachers trust in the generosity of the participants to offer a contribution (Dana) in accordance with their means and desire to support the teachers.

This year Dharma Gaia celebrates the 21 day retreat with three retreats in one. We are focussing our practice on how we manifest the three jewels - Buddha Dharma Sangha - in our everyday life.

Each week a powerful focus to explore the depth of the Buddha the Dharma and the Sangha through the teachings of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh

There is a profound opening to insight and wellbeing that a longer retreat offers in a way that  others do not.  As we settle more deeply into ourselves, the peace of the practice, the community and the beauty of the environment, .we enable a natural unfolding of tranquility, concentration, and insight.

Throughout the 21 days we will have the steady heartbeat of the gentle practices of the Plum  Village tradition.  We will be nourished by  the regular practices of  sitting, walking, eating meditations, Dharma talks and Dharma sharing. This retreat will also include  yoga, deep relaxation and other body practices., and time for rest, quiet and contemplation. The experience of a strong community of practice and the deep nourishment of the natural environment is the ground of our 21 days together.

We hope as many people as possible will attend for the full retreat however we realise that it  is not always possible to give ones self the gift of a 21 day retreat. We have designed the retreat so that each of the three weeks have a separate focus. As bookings and space permit we can offer the following options: 

If you can only do 1 week  - you are welcome to register just for  the first Week  July 1-7th.

If you are able to do 2 weeks you can choose  to do week 1 and 2,, or weeks 2 and 3 or even to do weeks 1 and  3.

PLEASE NOTE:  Arrival and departure dates are only possible on: Monday 1 July,  or on Sundays  7, 14 and 21. . No arrival or departures on other days please so that we can keep the continuity of practice and rest for everyone.

The focus of each week is as follows:

WEEK 1: EMPOWERMENT THROUGH SPIRITUAL FRIENDSHIP - THE SANGHA BREATHING IN -  Filling our lungs with pure countryside air … filling our being with support and nourishment

Our Theme :   Taking in and offering each other the deep companionship and joy of community - Sangha.  Each of us can contemplate how we can be  empowered and empower others through  our relationship with Sangha .

The Buddha praised spiritual friendship as one of the most important aspects of the spiritual life. Thich Nhat Hanh , as well as many other enlightened teachers of today speak of the next great awakening for humankind manifesting not through one enlightened being but through the awakened living of a whole community.

In our tradition we treasure the spiritual community - the Sangha for our support and enrichment. We take time to enjoy and grow our connections and explore the power of ‘Sangha’  in the Plum  Village tradition and what that means for us in todays world.

We practice and we play.  We rest and nourish ourselves in nature and togetherness.

WEEK 2: EMPOWERMENT THROUGH REALISATION OF WISDOM - THE DHARMA BREATHING OUT -  

Our Theme:  Exploration of the Dharma - the Spiritual teachings exploring the aspects that are relevant and immediately useful on a personal practice basis. 

 Taking the joy and community energy from week one into ourselves and using that as a base  for  quiet  personal contemplation and discovery.  

In this week our schedule will be lighter with more quiet and time to reflect and be supported individually and in smaller groups. Each retreatant takes the opportunity to look at what aspects of the Dharma  you personally want time and  support to deepen?  This  will not  be the same for everyone.   The  formal practice sessions and small group Dharma sharings will support your individual exploration,  insight and inspiration. The Dharma Teachers will offer private sessions for individuals and small group work to give our practice a boost  and enable personal focus and support.

WEEK 3: THE ESSENCE IS PRESENCE EMPOWERMENT THROUGH THE MANIFESTATION OF WAKING UP - THE BUDDHA

BREATHING IN AND BREATHING OUT 

Our theme:  i nourish the Buddha and the Boddhisatva in me.

What does it mean for us to be a Buddha?

How can I … we … bring the Buddha into the 21st century and practice in the way of Awakened  Being.?

Thay has often said …’ One Buddha is not enough’   He has also called upon us  to be the  next Buddha  the Buddha of Love.  That the next Buddha will  come not as an individual but  as a community.’ -

Being a Buddha is a joy not a chore. We know our world needs us to practice.  To be stable and  peaceful in ourselves and to bring that stability, peace and our collective insight into our  relationships with ourselves, with each other, our planet.

So in week three we have this opportunity to culminate the energies of outward connection  and inward reflection to enable each of us to explore our life as Buddha and Bodhisatva of the 21st century. 

We hope you can join us for the whole 21 day retreat.

THE TEACHERS: Dharma Gaia is happy to share that out three New Zealand Dharma Teachers - Sister Pho Nghiem (Shalom), Anton Bank and Caitlin Bush - will be supporting this retreat and offering teachings and practice interviews

To register for the full 21 days or for 1 or 2 weeks please email peace@dharmagaia.org with the sublect line ‘21 DAY RETREAT 2019’

PAYMENT DETAILS: RETREAT COST: plus (dana support for the Teachings - see below Retreat cost)

Full 21 Day Retreat $900 - $750, (Sliding scale)

For one week $450 - $350 (this is only available for week 1)

For two weeks only $650 - $550 ( please ensure you state in your registration if you wish to attend weeks 1 and 2 OR weeks 2 and 3 OR weeks 1 and 3)

Account number 03 0458 0238459 000

Please make two separate payments (with reference) for the retreat cost and for Dana/gratitude for the teaching . 

Our teachers devote much of their time to study and practice. They give teachings and support without receiving payment or wages. The teachers trust in the generosity of the participants to offer a contribution (Dana) in accordance with their means and desire to support the teachers.

The Five Mindfulness Trainings form an ethical basis for a happy life.

Based on the precepts written during the time of the Buddha, these trainings were written by Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh and are periodically updated to ensure they relate to our current world conditions. The trainings offer a wonderful way to guide us in our everyday choices. By practising with the trainings, we improve the quality of our thinking, speaking and acting and therefore, our quality of life. In this way we learn how to reduce suffering and increase happiness for ourselves, our loved ones, society and the planet.

In this retreat, we will explore the trainings in-depth, hear from those experienced in practising with the trainings, share our own responses to them and take part in a ceremony to transmit the trainings to those who wish to receive them, as the ethical framework for their life.

PAYMENT DETAILS: RETREAT COST $165-$200 (SLIDING SCALE)

Account number 03 0458 0238459 000

Please make two separate payments (with reference) for the retreat cost and for Dana/gratitude for the teaching . 

Our teachers devote much of their time to study and practice. They give teachings and support without receiving payment or wages. The teachers trust in the generosity of the participants to offer a contribution (Dana) in accordance with their means and desire to support the teachers.

A quiet mind is a gift we can offer ourselves and our loved ones. With mindfulness we can grow our peace and joy as a daily practice. Watering the seeds of our inner garden, the flowers of a quiet mind naturally bloom.

How can we develop a quiet mind in a full and busy life, or when habit energies of over-thinking and worry arise?

Restful awareness becomes possible when our mind and body are together, engaged in our daily actions. When we observe our mind and our habitual ways of responding, we have the chance to understand what is going on inside and around us. This can change the quality of our life. 

During this four-day retreat, a spacious schedule including deep relaxation, Dharma talks, sharing and periods for personal creativity and contemplation will support us to nourish our quiet mind. By practicing this way on retreat, we learn skills we can apply in daily life.

Cost: Accommodation and Food  Sliding scale $200-$230 plus Dana/Koha for the teacher

Account number 03 0458 0238459 000

Please make two separate payments (with reference) for the retreat cost and for Dana/gratitude for the teaching . 

Our teachers devote much of their time to study and practice. They give teachings and support without receiving payment or wages. The teachers trust in the generosity of the participants to offer a contribution (Dana) in accordance with their means and desire to support the teachers.