Yoga, Meditation and Pilates

I am very pleased about the opportunity to teach this retreat with Dr. David Brown. David has been a practitioner of Buddhist meditation for over 35 years. He takes a non-sectarian approach valuing all schools of Buddhism and has broad experience of Zen/Chan, Theravadin and Tibetan methods of meditation. He trained initially with the late Dr. John Crook of the Western Chan Fellowship, then with the renowned Chinese Master Dr. Sheng-Yen, and also under various teachers at Gaia House in the Theravadin tradition. In his professional life David's career has been in medical research and he has extensive experience of leadership at Chief Executive and Board level.

We will practice yoga postures supported by Pilates movements, relaxation and meditation.  In the movement practice we will work from inner stillness, movements are slow, precise and aligned with breathing. By paying attention to the present experience we can deepen our awareness of a silence and joyfulness which pervades everything in creation.  As we allow ourselves to rest in this silence we become more able to move into life with courage, compassion and joy.

The Abbey is a unique resource and a sacred space tucked away in the beautiful old English village of Sutton Courtenay, 10 miles south of Oxford. The peace and tranquility of the Abbey and its 4 acres grounds provide a very relaxing environment. The food is vegetarian, delicious and made freshly each day.

Our group sessions take place in the Great Hall, a beautiful space with a timber vaulted ceiling, wooden floor, magnificent fireplace and French windows opening on to the garden. 

About dana

Dana is a Pali term meaning "generosity". The fee charged only covers the cost for running the retreat. At the end of the weekend you are asked to make a voluntary financial contribution to the teachers to support them in offering the teachings free of charge. This is called offering dana. By giving dana to the teachers your are invited to participate in this ancient and rich tradtion that has sustained the teachings of many different traditions. As the teachers make no charge for their teachings it helps to keep the costs down so that a difficult financial situation is not a barrier to anyone wishing to access them. It has enabled the creation of retreat centres, the support of ashrams and monasteries and a whole range of social and peace practices and projects.

David will kindly give his dana to Helen, who relies partly on donations for her livelihood and that of her family. Your generosity will be greatly appreciated.

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