A Modest Awakening -
Wabi-sabi and the 4 Noble Truths

Book with Rivendell Retreat Centre

Please note; This retreat is for people who’ve already attended one of my wabi-sabi retreats, live or online.

The Buddha taught the dharma for one reason only: the alleviation of suffering. His first teaching we now know as ‘The 4 Noble Truths’. That in every life there is suffering, the cause of suffering is desire, that it is possible to put an end to this suffering here and now and, finally, that there’s a path for us to follow.

On this retreat, we take those 4 Noble Truths as our dharmic framework. Our starting point is dukkha. Turning towards suffering, we’ll discover what it comprises and how we unintentionally fuel our own pain. We’ll find out how we can put an end to unnecessary suffering in our lives, as well as how to finally make peace with the unavoidable sorrows that come with being human.

We’ll meet the Buddha as an imperfect human being who attained a ‘modest awakening’ as one who experiences an unshakable sense of well-being in the face of any and all conditions.

Throughout the week, wabi-sabi beauty will accompany us as we dive deep into the joy and pain of being human.

(Gratitude to Andrew Olendzki, who came up with this beautiful image of a ‘modest awakening’ and whose words are in italics above. You can read more of what he says here.)

As a reflection retreat, we will mostly be in silence with a programme of teachings and meditation, plus poetry, film and images.