Comments about our Retreats

Here are some of the comments made by women who have been on retreat with us at Tiratanaloka.

On my last retreat 'I experienced one of those joyful, at ease with myself and the world, times at Tiratanaloka. It was underpinned by study of the Dharma in a small group with a wise leader. I was camping so felt very much in touch with the elements - fine, warm weather the first week, followed by a colder, wetter week. The conditions reflected the study - the interconnectedness of all things - and the changing weather was a challenge to be equanimous through sun and cloud - through pleasure and pain. Meditation and devotional pujas were creative and beneficial. I loved reading Kathleen Raine and Kenneth White in the puja, felt a sense of integration and positivity. My next retreat is approaching - I wonder what will happen this time?'
Elisabeth Lynn, North Wales

I love being at Tiratanaloka. I have been in spring, summer and in autumn and I now look forward to a wintertime retreat. The changing seasons are reflected in the beauty of the grounds and surrounding countryside, with the bubbling brook nearby and many inviting footpaths to explore. Retreats include opportunities for meditation, study, discussion and silence as well as free time. With each retreat I have felt more at home. I enjoy practice in the beautiful shrine room, as well as working in the house and grounds. The friendly contacts with other retreatants enable growing connections when we meet again or read each others’ news in Hridayavani. Retreats are led by members of the community, often joined by Dharmacharinis from other centres. The order members also develop personal connections with retreatants, and I realised recently that with each retreat I could trace my growing connection with the Order. I also reflected on what an extraordinary thing it is that Tiratanaloka is here to support women preparing for ordination, to nurture the arising of the bodhicitta, and that we are fortunate enough to be able to benefit from it.
Rosemary Bartlett, Bristol.

After two weeks retreat at Tiratanaloka my body traveled home, but my mind was staying somewhere between. So clearly I saw that I’m not the same anymore and I got a new friend, myself.
Cheri Tamminen, Finland

....I have a real appreciation of the value of the retreats at Tiratanaloka with the ordination process changing and developing. It somehow seems important for there to be a place that women can come together to see how the team lives and how they work, see the example of women living out life in that context and to have the opportunity to actively participate in it for a time. It feels as if that is a big part of what Tiratanaloka can be for women in the ordination process. It's a beautiful place and I feel very lucky to be able to go on retreat there....
Chris Holdsworth, Nottingham.

Each time I come I arrive looking forward to spending a thoroughly disturbing time in a beautiful setting!! And each time I notice that the setting has changed - a welcoming sign of impermanence as bathroom carpets are replaced with easier to keep clean floor coverings, minor things with major impact, like hooks in the bedrooms that make life so much easier, more space for turning vehicles. I know that I have changed since I came last, and as I look forward to my next visit I am expecting that there will be further changes. It is change all round, and it accompanies our practice so appropriately.
Jean Ann Naylor, Lancaster

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