Inviting our Demons to Tea - York Weekend Sangha Retreat

A residential weekend of meditation and Dharma study at the Beamsley Project near Skipton, exploring the story of Milarepa and his demons; led by Shakyapada and Taravandana. There will also be time to enjoy the beautiful countryside at the edge of the Yorkshire Dales. The cost is £75 plus whatever you wish to donate at the end of the weekend. All food and board is included. The Beamsley Project is a converted Church with modern, comfortable accommodation and easy access. All participants will be encouraged to help with small jobs such as food preparation and washing up etc,

About Milarepa

Milarepa lived in Tibet sometime between the tenth and twelfth centuries CE. In his youth he studied sorcerery and when his family were swindled out of their wealth by an aunt and uncle, Milarepa used balck magic to seek revenge, killing many people. Eventually through remorse he sought the help of a famous teacher, Marpa, who made Milarepa go through many trials and hardships in order to purify his negative karma.  

Eventually Milarepa lived a hermit's life in a cave high up in the mountains and became an acclaimed yogi and poet. The spiritual poetry of Milarepa is known of as The Hundred Thousand Songs, some of which are explored by Sangharakshita in volumes 18 and 19 of the Complete Works.

The theme of the retreat

In this retreat we will be looking at an episode where Milarepa returned to his cave to find that five demons had taken up residence there:

Inside he was startled to find five demons with eyes as large as saucers. One was sitting on his bed and preaching, two were listening to the sermon, another was preparing and offering food, and the last was studying Milarepa's books.

We can imagine that Milarepa would be quite frightened as well as surprised. He didn't want them there, but how to get rid of them? He tried various ways of doing this, but all to no avail - the demons refused to budge. Eventually after much reflection Milarepa realises what the demons are and this time when he approaches them they disappear without a trace, and he is left in peace and serenity.

In this retreat we will be exploring Milarepa's experience and looking at what might constitute our own demons. Getting to know them a little better perhaps and, who knows, maybe even persuading them to leave us alone as well.