The courses and retreats listed here are led by the teachers on the Teachers page. The page is current - listings appear in date order and are taken down one day after the start date. Buttons take you to the relevant websites with all information and application processes. To view past retreats and courses in order to get a sense of the range of offerings over time, please click the button below.
Past Retreats and Courses
What do Dharma teachings say about beauty? And what is your relationship with this idea? How might an inquiry into beauty serve your practice and help you to navigate wise action?
In this day of practice we will reflect on beauty, its relevance to the path in general and its place in approaching Soulmaking Dharma
Opening our imaginations, hearts, minds and bodies to whatever is our unique relationship with beauty, we will inquire into what might hinder and what might support a fertile and onward leading relationship with this idea and experience.
The day will include formal meditation practice, reflection and inquiry, starting with samatha (calming) practices and opening more to Soulmaking teachings and practices as the day unfolds.
As well as the inquiry into Beauty and the path, this day may serve as a glimpse into Soulmaking Dharma for those who are interested, as well as a support for those already familiar with these teachings. It is suitable for anyone who has had an ongoing meditation practice within a Buddhist context for at least three years. No previous experience with Soulmaking Dharma practice is needed, nor with Rob Burbea’s approaches to the Dharma, but an affinity and previous experience with Rob’s 'ways of looking' approaches will be a support.
Catherine lives entirely on dana offerings from students. There will be an opportunity to offer her dana during the day.
In our meditative practice we may discover that the citta (heart-mind) can be perceived as bright, spacious, unshakable and sky-like.
These expansive perceptions are profound and powerful tools for our meditative exploration. Giving rise to a natural sensitivity and receptivity, they reveal the entire range of nourishing and transforming qualities of the mind and heart such as compassion, steadiness and samadhi. Practicing in this way we can begin to sense the fabricated, malleable and empty nature of all phenomena and the freedom this understanding brings.
During the retreat we will cultivate and explore these beautiful meditative perceptions.There will be reflections, contemplations, guidance and meditative suggestions.
Having practiced under the guidance of Rob Burbea, we’ve discovered the profound beauty and transformative power of Samadhi and Jhana. We invite you, who already have some familiarity with samadhi practices and want to explore their subtle, delicate beauty further, to join us for a dedicated week of practice.
During the retreat, we'll explore the beauty and benefits of Jhana practice, and its connection to wisdom practices like understanding dependent arising and emptiness. You'll receive personalised support to enhance your skills and insights, and have the opportunity to practice together with others who share your love of and interest in the Jhanas.
The Gaia House Programme 2026 will go live in the next couple of weeks for bookings from April onwards. If you are interested in this retreat please keep an eye on Gaia’s website here or join their e-newsletter for updates here. This retreat is for people already familiar with Rob Burbea’s Ways of Looking approaches.
More details via Gaia House website in the next couple of months...
