As with all our retreats, you can book either on-line or by post.

We made the £10,000 investment in the panels to reduce our carbon footprint and to benefit from current  government subsidies – which make it a viable investment. The panels are expected to continue farming energy from the sun for at least the next 25 years. Whilst the panels generate more energy with clear skies and sun, they also function at a lower level with just daylight. So even during heavily overcast days (not unheard of here) we will benefit from the panels.

Earlier this week we also replaced the old drafty wooden framed windows in the retreat centre dining room and kitchen, with modern double glazed units. It is hoped these will reduce heating costs well as bring more light into the spaces.

Hopefully the new solar panels and double glazing will be the first steps in a much bigger vision to dramatically reduce Vajraloka’s carbon footprint, and thus play our part in responding to the global challenge of Climate change. Last year a comprehensive green audit of our energy use came out with a number of recommendations which we are now trying to prioritise.  One key challenge ahead will be replacing our  gas (LPG) based system of heating with a more environmentally sustainable alternative, such as wood chip burners.

If you have any skills or knowledge  in this area do get in touch. We would also welcome any offers of financial support, as the initial start up capital costs tend to be high.

Balajit has just returned from being on the south coast, where he led three evening workshops, for people from the Southampton and Winchester Sanghas (see photo). Within the framework of the Triratna system of meditation and the four foundations of mindfulness, the workshops explored different perpsectives on the basic practices. Each evening also investigated the ways we project concepts onto our immediate sense experience and how this gives rise to unnecessary suffering and confusion.

Tejananda recently led a weekend event at the North London Buddhist Centre on the Triratna system of meditation. On this he explored deepening and ‘customising’ our practice of the mindfulness of breathing and metta bhavana, and ways to engage with insight practices around the theme of the three marks – impermanence, unsatisfactoriness and not-self or insubstantiality.

More outreach events are already planned for 2012 and beyond.

Bodhananda has a broad range of experience, from both within the Triratna Community and outside, which will no doubt diversify and deepen what Vajraloka can offer. He has taught meditation and buddhism in different parts of the UK, as well in Nepal, Japan and India. He also lived at the Guhyaloka Vihara in Spain for a number of years, pursuing his interest in meditation, study and community living. In recent years, following a lengthy training in the National Health Service, he qualified, and worked as, a Clinical Technologist in nuclear medicine. This involved tending to the very sick and terminally ill.

So Bodhananda will be a regular face on our retreats from November onwards.

To keep costs down, Ian (our cook) specified the job himself – a painstaking process involving detailed measurements and difficult decisions on what new units we need where. He looked much more relaxed when the costly bespoke units were delivered and it all fitted perfectly together! Thanks also to Steve from Sheffield, who did the tiling and decorating amongst other things.

We now have a new floor, sparkling stainless steel units and new wall tiling. Gone too is the ‘nursery school’ yellow on the walls, it being replaced by bright white.

So it all looks a lot smarter, and will hopefully last us long into the future.

They were as follows : Heron, Mallard, Goosander, Common Buzzard, Red Kite (see photo) , Sparrowhawk, Red Legged Partridge, Rook, Jackdaw, Jay, Magpie, Raven, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Blackcap, Lesser Whitethroat, Tree pipet, Tawny Owl, House Sparrow, Dunnock, Wren, Lesser Black Backed Gull, Pied Wagtail, Pied Flycatcher, Redstart, Swallow, Robin, Mistle Thrush, Blackbird, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Long Tailed Tit, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Bullfinch, Chaffinch, Redpoll, Siskin, Goldcrest, Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Wood Pigeon, Dipper, Curlew, Reed Bunting, Peregrine, Chicken and of course our many pheasants!

People are invited to book on either of these week long retreats, or to stay for the full two weeks. Booking can be made in the usual way either via our website or by post (with a printed booking form).

There is no retreat over the 2011 christmas period.

The photo above is from the final day of the  last Winter Practice retreat, which was our  first event of 2011.

balajit

At the same time, I was very touched by how the rest of the Vajraloka team uncomplainingly took over my responsibilities, and offered a lot of support and practical help, particularly after my mother’s death on 13 November. I can honestly say that without this support and my meditation and Dharma practice, what was a difficult and demanding time would probably have been insupportable, or at least taken a far greater emotional toll.

Now, although I’ve still got quite a bit to do before my mother’s estate is settled, I’m looking forward to resuming my life and work here and getting on retreats again. And I don’t have long to wait – I’m co-leading one with Dharmadipa on our system of meditation starting this coming Friday.

Tejananda

Today we launch our new website!

If you have a roam around you will notice a few changes. Most notably, we have modernised the layout of the site, introduced a picture gallery on the homepage and this News blog.

Tucked away as we are on a remote welsh hillside, i hope the news blog will help keep people stay in tune with whats unfolding at  Vajraloka.  Do feel free to any  post any comments you may have on the articles posted.

This blog replaces the Vajraloka Newsletter. If you wish to subscribe to the blog, and thereby be notified of new postings,  click  the orange feed button on the homepage.

balajit x