The Retreat

The schedule for the retreat will include periods of silent meditation practice, inquiry exercises in groups of twos or threes contemplating specific questions related to this topic, and one-to-one interviews with Laura. Otherwise the retreat will be held in Noble Silence – not engaging in talking with others unless it is necessary.

Seven precepts, a practice of harmlessness, mindfulness and renunciation, will be held for the duration of the retreat. This will take place from the Opening Meditation until the afternoon of the last day to support inner contemplation.

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Laura will give talks and guided meditations and make space for questions and comments within the group, from time to time. One-to-one interviews offer opportunities to discuss your practice and receive personal guidance.

Arrive Friday between 3.00pm and 5pm to settle in

 

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Laura

Laura ordained as a nun with Ajahn Sumedho in 1995 and was resident at Amaravati and Chithurst monasteries for eighteen years until she moved out to live as a solitary nun in 2010. Over the past ten years she has spent extended periods of time with the Burmese teacher Sayadaw U Tejaniya. In 2015 Laura left the monastic tradition to pursue the Diamond Heart (Ridhwan) spiritual path which incorporates both Buddhist and Sufi principles and practices.

 

The Dhamma teaching is freely given. Retreatants wanting to make a donation for the teaching, can offer it to Laura at the end of the retreat.

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Food and Accommodation

There will be a light evening meal on the day of arrival and from the first morning, we will provide a simple breakfast of porridge at 7.15. There will be a vegetarian main meal at lunchtime and a light supper at 5.00pm. Teas, coffee and soft drinks will be available during the day. Accommodation is in single rooms. We will provide bedding, bed linen and towels.

The cost for food and accommodation for the five days of practice has been worked out using the following categories:

• Standard rate of £300.00 to cover the basic residential cost of the five-day retreat.

• Sponsor rate of £350.00 to cover the basic cost and to help support those who would otherwise be unable to come.

• Supported rate of £250.00 for those with limited income

We would ask for a deposit of £100 to confirm your place. There are 12 places on this retreat.

£15 of this deposit will be non-refundable as a contribution to our fixed costs, such as insurance, rates and admin. The remainder of the deposit is refundable if you cancel up to 8 weeks before the event. After that time it also becomes non-refundable unless we have to cancel the event and then your whole deposit will be returned.

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The balance becomes due two weeks prior to the start of the event which is non-returnable. If there are circumstances that create a risk of cancellation for you, we recommend that you take out cancellation insurance, in case you are unable to attend.

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In the unlikely event that we need to cancel or postpone, a full refund of what you have paid to us will be offered. Our liability is limited to what you have paid for the retreat or the workshop, therefore travel insurance is recommended, if you have booked tickets to get to Hill Cottage.

If you would like more information or a booking form, please contact Jeremy at info@hillcottageretreats.co.uk

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