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Buddhist Retreat Centre
Balquhidder, Scotland
Dhanakosa, which means storehouse of treasure, is a
new Buddhist retreat centre in Scotland. The Centre was
once a highland hotel and provides ideal conditions for
retreats. It is set by the shores of Loch Voil in
Balquhidder, 15 miles from Callander, only 1� hours
drive from Glasgow or Edinburgh, and easily accessible by
public transport. Surrounded by the magnificent mountains
and forests of the southern Scottish Highlands it
provides a quiet and beautiful setting for courses and
retreats. The centre is open to all and no previous
experience of meditation or Buddhism is needed.
Retreats are an ideal situation in which to take a fresh
look at yourself and your life. On retreat you can relax
and enjoy yourself. You can learn to meditate or take
your meditation further with the help of experienced
teachers. This can help you develop clarity, confidence,
energy, positive emotion - even a deep insight into
yourself. A retreat is an ideal situation in which you
can grow. Our Introductory Retreats provide an excellent
introduction to both meditation and Buddhism. We follow a
light and varied programme of meditation, talks and
discussion as well as any specialist topic such as Tai
Chi or Yoga. There is plenty of free time for walks in
the beauty of the surrounding countryside. Our retreats
are renowned for an atmosphere of friendliness and
harmony.
Buddhism is a 2500 year old spiritual tradition which
started with the enlightenment of the historical figure
of Siddhartha Gautama. Enlightenment is a state of
sublime spiritual awareness: the most positive human
qualities of awareness and positivity developed to their
highest pitch. The Buddhist tradition consists of methods
and practices which help us to attain the same state of
enlightenment as the Buddha. Chief amongst those methods
is meditation.
Meditation is a direct way of changing our consciousness
to encourage the development of awareness and positivity.
On retreats at Dhanakosa meditation forms the core of the
programme. We principally teach two meditation practices:
the Mindfulness of Breathing, which encourages stillness,
clarity, and focus; and the Metta Bhavana (or Development
of Loving-Kindness) which helps us to develop the
positive emotional qualities of confidence, openness, and
love.
Many of our retreats also feature indirect methods such
as Tai Chi, Yoga, or Massage. These practices can help us
to consolidate and develop the qualities developed in the
meditation practice.
Dhanakosa is an autonomous centre of the world-wide
Buddhist Movement known as the Friends of the Western
Buddhist Order (FWBO). The FWBO
was started in 1967 by the Venerable Sangharakshita who
lived as a monk in India for 20 years before returning to
his native UK to teach Buddhism and meditation.
1997 Program
Contact Information
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