SOLD OUT – Waiting list available (We may well run this event again soon, so we will contact anyone on the waiting list then.)
For those with an established and active meditation practice of at least two years.
As humans, we have an ability to communicate our experiences in the form of stories and we give meaning to our lives through narration of those stories. Stories, however, can lead to ‘narrative entrapment’ – the phenomenon of being caught up in disparaging stories about who we are, told to us, and about us, by others. We then tell ourselves these stories as though they are true.
Life is often lived, healthily or unhealthily, as a story which can be flawed or untrue. This day retreat seeks to enable ‘better’ stories to be told, using the Buddhist principles of primordial purity and Metta, particularly Metta for ourselves. We can retell stories in which a sense of deficiency is seen as it is – as a delusion. We seek to unburden ourselves from the false, suffering self and, ultimately, seek to let go of self-stories altogether.
The day will be a mix of simple writing exercises, discussion and meditation.
Please bring a vegan / vegetarian lunch to share.
Led by Maitrivajra and Muditakari
Maitrīvajra (pronouns he/him) – is studying for a PhD in Autoethnography at the University of Brighton. He is a practising psychotherapeutic counsellor and is Autoethnographer in Residence at the Brighton Buddhist Centre. Note: although Maitrivajra is a PhD researcher, this day retreat is not part of his research. Anything shared will be fully confidential, anonymous and no personal information will be gathered or kept.
Muditakari (pronouns she/her) – loves facilitating and witnessing other people’s growth and development, and is enlivened by the fact that we all have the potential to become enlightened.
Autoethnography: a form of ethnographic research in which a researcher connects personal experiences to wider cultural, political, and social meanings and understandings. This may then enable others to see their own experiences in a wider cultural context.
If you would like to discuss the retreat before booking a place please let us know. You can contact Maitrivajra via the Buddhist Centre at info@brightonbuddhistcentre.co.uk and he will be happy to answer any questions you might have.
By suggested donation of £35 – please book.
If you would like to offer a different donation (above or below the suggested one, gratefully received) you’ll still need to book, but give on the day.