Kshitigarbha - Rescuing beings from from the hell realms
Autumn Sangha Retreat with Mahasraddha

Join us on our Autumn Sangha Retreat for a long weekend of living, meditating and practising together in near-perfect conditions. Mahasraddha and Shakyapada will be leading this retreat and together we will be looking at the life and practice of Kshitigarbha. 

This retreat is open to all members of the York and Scarborough sanghas. Space is limited so please book early. If you book by 15th September the deposit is £65 - after 16th September it is £75.

Unlike most Bodhisattvas in traditional Buddhism (who are dressed like Indian royalty), Kṣitigarbha is typically depicted with a shaven head, and is dressed in simple monk's robes. He is said to be prepared to accompany all beings into the Hell Realms in order to help them.

In his left hand, he holds a wish-fulfilling jewel or cintamani in his right hand, he holds a Khakkhara, a staff,  which is used to alert insects and small animals of his approach, so that he will not accidentally harm them. Like other bodhisattvas, Kṣitigarbha usually is seen standing on a lotus base, symbolizing his release from rebirth. Kṣitigarbha's face and head are also idealised, featuring the third eye, elongated ears and the other standard attributes of a Buddha.

Over this weekend Mahasraddha and Shakyapada will be delving into the qualities of Ksitigarbha and exploring how his qualities can help us in our practice.

Barmoor is a beautiful Arts and Crafts house built in 1908 and situated north of York on the outskirts of Hutton-le-Hole, on the edge of the moors and about an hour's drive from York. The retreat will be for 3 nights - beginning with dinner on the Friday evening at 6pm and finishing on Monday afternoon around 3.00pm. We would prefer all retreatants to stay until the end but, if you need to leave late Sunday afternoon (for work on Monday, say) you may do so. We will try to arrange lifts for those without cars.

Expect meditation, talks, discussion, tasty vegan food, comfy beds, log fires and a lovely friendly and enjoyable weekend. Everyone will be asked to share some basic tasks such as vegetable chopping, washing up etc. There will be free time on Saturday afternoon when you might like to explore the surrounding countryside or have a snooze.

This retreat is open to all members of the York and Scarborough sanghas and is the perfect opportunity to experience a retreat if you haven't been on one before. Space is limited so please book early. If you book by 15th September the deposit is £65 - on 15th September and after it is £75. The deposit includes 2 nights board and meals of delicious vegan food. This deposit covers our basic costs and we ask you to donate extra at the end of the retreat if you can, or when booking. We suggest an extra donation of between £50 to £100 but the amount is up to you.

Remember: Book before 15th September and save £10!

Meanwhile take a look at our last retreat at Barmoor here