Embedded Files
This page provides information to AHS members on how they can stay at the Hermitage for personal retreats.
Ways to connect to the scared place, through practice and retreat.
Ways to connect to the scared place, through practice and retreat.
We warmly welcome our members to come to the Hermitage for retreats be they as a group or solo. We are hoping that during the coming years we will have a constant stream of people coming for solo retreats to meet their indiviudal practice needs. There are many way in which you can come to the Hermitage to develop and deepen your practice through retreat. You are welcome to come and deepen your practice through study, reflection and meditation.
How you arrange your own retreat will be personal to your own needs, which you can discuss with your mentor or a teacher beforehand. But here are a few ideas:
No communication with the outside or the residents
No communication except with the residents.
Joining in with the daily practices in the shrine room.
Focusing solely on your own practice with caring for the space scheduled in.
More details here: Personal Retreat Info
Accomodation provided:
Accomodation provided:
We have several different types of accomodation available, all with access to a fully stocked kitchen and private/shared bathroom. You can choose between staying in the main house, smaller cottages or in the more isolated cabins. All accomodation is basic but comfortable.
Time to deepen your practice
Time to deepen your practice
Setting aside time to really devote yourself to practice can help you integrate the teachings in a way that is rarely possible while still enmeshed in the activities of daily life.
With a supportive environment, one that is geared up for meditation retreat and by deliberately creating boundaries around our intentions, making it clear that we are honouring the intention to go deeper into the practice, we provide the most enriching conditions for insight and certainty in the truths of the teachings to emerge.
Retreat boundaries empower the whole mandala of our practice, by creating a container that holds us. The intensive process of becoming more and more accustomed to what goes on in our heart and mind can be challenging, and we are held and supported within the container we create.
Dedicated time to listen, to study and reflect on the teachings is essential for fully understanding the subtle nuance of the Dharma.
Retreats can't guarantee that your practice will deepen, but they can certainly make depth more likely.
Lama Shenpen and Lama Tara
Lama Shenpen and Lama Tara
The Hermitage is home to Lama Shenpen and Lama Tara and as such you may see them during your retreat. They will be holding the regular practices in the shrine room which you are welcome to join in with. As this is their home we respect their privacy and any need for retreat also.
FAQ's
FAQ's
How do I apply?
What accommodation is available?
We have various types of accomodation, including being in the main house, in one of the cabins (woodland available) or in a cottage nearer the main house.
What would I need to study?
You can decide this with the guidance of a mentor if you're unsure
How will I be supported pratically?
You will have access to a well stocked kitchen for all your food needs, and there will be a system in place to ensure that your safety is monitored throughout your retreat.
How will I be supported spiritually?
You will have the opportunity to discuss your practice during your retreat with Lama Dashon or Lama Tara if they are available
Can I be contacted by friends or family in an emergency?
Yes, you can give them the phone number for the Hermitage or use your own mobile phone. 01766 530839
Can I go out while on retreat?
We do advise that you stay on site during your retreat, but if feel like you'd like to walk more and have that as part of your retreat schedule then there are plenty of quiet walks in the area.
How much does it cost?
We have a suggested donation amount for people on personal retreats:
£200 for a week
£500 for a month
£1000 for 3 months
These are suggested amounts, you may feel like you can contribute more which would mean that we could then support those who aren't finacially able to do a retreat) or it may feel like too much of a stretch for you, if this is the case please do get in touch with us and see if we can come to some other arrangement.
Will anyone else be staying at the Hermitage?
There will usually be at least one steward and the manager (Tasmin) who will be able to support you during your retreat.
What if I need to cancel my booking?
You can cancel at any time prior to the week before arriving, if you need to cancel please let us know as soon as possible
What should I bring with me?
Accommodation at the Hermitage is comfortable but basic, in single rooms with shared bathrooms and kitchens for events and gatherings. For retreatants who, in agreement with our Lamas, will be engaging in a personal retreat of longer duration and a more solitary nature, they may be self- contained in a small cottage or cabin. All retreatants are self – catering and you will have access to a well-stocked food store. More details of shopping days etc will be made available to you once you are here. We have basic accommodation which is clean and simple ready for you. To help us maintain the rooms, we have supplied each room with a small cleaning kit and instructions, and you will be expected to clean your accommodation before you leave.
Bed linen and towels: We will provide you with a duvet, blanket and pillows, but you will need to bring a sheet, a duvet cover, pillowcases and towels. If you find it difficult to carry a lot of luggage and are coming a long distance you may borrow bed linen and a towel from the Hermitage store (suggested donation £5 to cover laundry costs). We would be very grateful if you could wash them before you leave if possible. Many people find they are happy they brought slippers and a hot water bottle (although with our central heating this is not so much needed).
Laundry: Please arrange with the office manager, a convenient time for you to do any laundry in one of our machines. You will have access to our washing line but during busy periods we may need to create a laundry rota.
Meditation mats: In the shrine room are meditation mats, blocks (about 6 cm high), cushions, chairs and shawls. It is fine for you to meditate in a posture that is comfortable for you so if you need to use a chair, lie down or get up and move about a little please feel free to do so.
Personal Shrine: Everyone’s room contains a small shrine table with water bowls and a vase for flowers. You are most welcome to bring whatever you need to create and beautify your own shrine, maybe a Rupa, (statue), pictures or special cloth to cover the table. For the candle offering, unfortunately, our insurance does not cover the use of candles in the retreat rooms. We strongly recommend that you look for a suitable battery or electronic alternative that you can bring with you.
Outdoor gear: It can get quite cold at the Hermitage even in the summer. We have central heating, but NW Wales can generally be pretty cold and damp. Please bring warm clothes e.g. thermals, a rain jacket, umbrella, comfortable walking shoes and /or wellington boots. We recommend having some slip-on clogs or shoes for ease of going in and out of the shrine room and other buildings. In addition, you will need a torch especially in the winter.
Medicines: There is a basic first aid kit at the Hermitage but please don't forget to bring any medicines you may need.
How do I apply?
Please contact hermitage@ahs.org.uk and either Mebar or Tamsin will be in touch.
Page updated
Report abuse