This retreat will explore how Dharma based perspectives and practices can inform and resource life-affirming action in these times of great ecological destruction, expanding the heart's capacity to listen, be called upon and respond to the world. Bridging the spheres of the inner and outer, we will use a range of creative reflective practices, primarily honing our meditative skills, but also creating space for inquiry and reflective discussion in order to explore how personal and social transformation are intimately bound together, to heal the imaginary divide between the separate self and our greater body, the Earth.

In addition to reflecting on deeper motivations and concerns around social and ecological injustice, this retreat will offer an opportunity to develop deeper resources of courage, insight, clarity and emotional resilience, drawing on the fearless presence of the heart to respond to systems of power, both internal and external that are limiting and damaging.

Venue: AppleTree, Ranelagh, Dublin 6. See map and directions here. At the door press bell marked "Appletree Top".

Fee: No fees - Anonymous donations only. Donation baskets will be available.

Donation to IST: Any donation made to the IST will be used to cover the cost of retreats and events that IST organizes throughout the year. We also support mendicant monastics, when funds allow. The IST organizers are all volunteers and do not financially benefit from the IST funds.

Donations for the teacher. Any donations for the teacher will be transferred to Suvaco or any organization that he will specify during the retreat.

Lunch: We will share a vegetarian lunch on both days. Please bring some pre-prepared savoury and sweet food to share.

Registration: Please click here (or contact us at info@irishsanghatrust.ie)

• In order to make a secure booking, please complete the online booking form.

On the day:

• Please be seated in the meditation hall at least 5 minutes before the session. Comfortable clothing is recommended. Dressing in layers is also a good idea.

• Refreshments, CDs and Dhamma books are available for free distribution.

Suvaco

Suvaco is a psychotherapist and cranio sacral practitioner. He spent 18 years as a Buddhist monk within the Thai Forest tradition and currently  teaches meditation, mainly to activists committed to make social or environmental changes. He is part of the teaching staff at Gaia house, Devon.