update on 2nd FWBO/Triratna International Retreat - coming up in May

‘Turning Arrows into Flowers’

Friday 28th May to Tuesday 1st June 2010

www.internationalretreat.fwbo.org

Jnanarakshita writes from Birmingham UK with an update on the FWBO/Triratna's largest retreat - the International Retreat.  Coming up soon, in May, it's a great chance for our internationalSangha to gather, practice, and celebrate. Full details (in five languages) and booking info is all on-line at www.internationalretreat.fwbo.org

He says -

"We’ll gather at Taraloka on the full-moon evening of May, when 2500 years ago, the Buddha gained Enlightenment. According to legend, he meditated through the night, overcoming Mara’s army and turning their arrows into flowers. During the weekend, we’ll unpack the meaning of this story, and explore the spiritual transformation of our own lives and the world we live in.

The programme and organisation are really starting to take shape. Several more experienced teachers have confirmed that they will be taking part, so the latest line-up now looks as follows:

Puja and ritual led by Akasati, Saddhanandi, Vajragupta, and Padmavajra…
Meditation input from Sona, Tejananda, Vidyamala, and others…
Talks on “turning arrows into flowers” in our contemporary world from Jnanavaca, Saddhanandi, and Vajradarshini…
Study, workshops and discussion led by Maitreyabandhu, Padmavajra, plus others to be announced…
Writing workshops on “turning arrows into flowers” led by Manjusvara…
Story-telling from Akasati, Lokabandhu, and Ratnaprabha…
Children’s activities for different age groups led by experienced and qualified folk … games, art & play tent, bushcraft and more…and also teenagers’ activities…

WHAT AND WHERE
Held every two years, at Taraloka Retreat Centre in Shropshire, the International Retreat is the FWBO/Triratna’s largest retreat. In 2008 500 people gathered from the UK, Europe, India, and elsewhere - we’re hoping for more of us this time. It’d really help our planning if you could book now - just go to www.internationalretreat.fwbo.org

See you there!