Womb Wisdom
"There is light… in everyone. Bright enough to swallow the sun,
Every mask will be erased, There is just the original face”
Stuart Davis
~ A meditation retreat with Mala Sikka and Terry Hagan
Meeting our original face before, during and after birth
UPDATE ~ Online option possible, only for those who are genuinely unable to attend at the Centre, please apply to dharmastudies108(AT) gmail.com
Each and every one of us was born from our mother’s womb, this is our shared reality. Ideally that womb provided a safe and nurturing space that fully supported our growth. However, the evolving experiences in-utero, fortunate or unfortunate, impacted our emotional development and created traits that influence us throughout our lifetime. These unseen patterns can fuel our unconscious decisions, arrest our creativity and hinder our potential. What happened from conception to birth is a very different journey for each of us. Emotional states, bio-chemical changes, physical constrictions or expansions during those months affect everything.
Meditation naturally re-creates a womb-like space allowing hidden patterns to reveal, heal, and liberate themselves so we can see our true nature.
We experience four stages in the womb. By opening specific pathways within the body through breathwork and specifically related physical postures; this exploratory work will enable recognition of each stage of the womb, the patterns associated with them, and the skill and means to recognise and therefore release tendencies that limit us. This study will provide a helpful foundation and guidance for future practice.
This will be a Silent retreat of practical study based on Namgyal Rinpoche’s explorations from the book “Womb Karma and Transcendence”
DURING THIS RETREAT:
- We will meditate in different physical postures that will assist opening to the 4 stages of the womb
-The foundation meditations will be anapanasati * ( breath meditation) and some basic mantra work.
- We will also explore specific breath work in the postures to help open pathways in the body
- The retreat will be held in silence apart from classes and Q & A
To really benefit and get the most out of this retreat, participants will be asked to unplug from all technology. Please be prepared to have a digital holiday so you can turn the mind to this practice fully.Please also tell friends, relatives and work that you cannot be contacted unless there is an emergency.
PLEASE REGISTER EARLY AS THERE WILL BE SOME SIMPLE PREPARATIONS NEEDED TO ATTEND THE COURSE. ONCE REGISTERED you will receive the instructions.
Mala Sikka and Terry Hagan have committed most of their lives to Dharma and have been practicing meditation for over 40 years. Together they completed a three year retreat in India under the guidance of Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche. Both Terry and Mala enjoyed their role as resident teachers of the Dharma Centre of Canada for over a decade and during this time served as spiritual advisors to the board. Terry also served a three year term as a spiritual director for the Dharma Centre. At present, they serve as the resident teachers of the Namgyal Dharma House and continue to support the Dharma Centre as Core Teachers.
Important Details
When: March 8-17, 2024.
Please plan to arrive between 3-5pm on the first day. The retreat will begin with a property orientation at 5:30pm followed by a light supper and the first evening class and will finish at 5pm on the last day.
Rates: $1,242 - non-members $1,179 - members
(To find out how to become a member please visit our membership page)
Rates include: Single accommodation and all meals. They do not include instructor fees. Mala and Terry are sharing their experience within the traditional Buddhist understanding of Dana. To understand more about Dana, please read the following:
What is Dana? Teachers give the teachings of awakening (Dharma) freely so that anyone, no matter their financial means can attend classes. Each time one receives teachings, it is an opportunity to consciously practice generosity. Giving money and other means of support expresses gratitude and support to the teacher and helps to ensure that these teachings continue. Each person receiving Dharma teachings determines the kind and amount of Dāna according to one’s heart and one’s financial means. When deciding how much to offer, one should think about what these teachings mean to you and try to give accordingly. It is recommended that students make an offering of dāna at the beginning of a class or retreat to establish the intention to make the most of this opportunity for one’s own progression and for the benefit of all others.
Deposit: A 50% deposit is required to hold your space upon registration.
Cancellation policy:
All cancellation are subject to a fee of $100. These funds will support other low income practitioner (Practitioner Support Fund).
Loss of 50% of deposit if cancel within 14 days ( = 25% of the retreat cost) – Funds to go into the Renewal Project (Buildings Renewal Fund)