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Retreat Dharma Talks

Awakening into the Web of Life: Embracing Relational Life on our Path

“The web of life both cradles us and calls us to weave it further”.
Joanna Macy

During this weekend, alongside our silent meditation practice, we gently open to the relational dimensions of Dharma practice, discovering how communication and being in the presence of others can also serve our awakening, and become an intrinsic part of our path through life – particularly relevant in these individualistic times.

This weekend is grounded in the Buddha’s teachings on ‘interdependence’, helping to ignite curiosity in our immediate experience; whether in silent meditation, or speaking and listening to others. Informed by teachings and practices of Insight Dialogue, the relational practices are structured and contained in groups of 2 or 3.

Exploring ‘interdependency’ at home in this way, we can start to illuminate hidden ideas and assumptions we may have about a path of awakening, and come into a wiser relationship with the unfolding conditions of our life, that can serve our deepest aspirations.

The weekend also provides the valuable supports of community and Sangha. There are periods of Q&A to explore arising themes and to listen to others. There are also comprehensive practice instructions, guidance, and evening Dharma reflections. It is open to all levels of experience and physical abilities, although it may be most suitable for those with an established meditation practice. Previous attendance on an online or in person retreat will be assumed.

This retreat is part of the Path through Life series: four weekend retreats spaced throughout the year. Each explores a different aspect of daily life practice. You’re welcome to join any of the retreats as a stand-alone or take part in the full series over the coming year. Please note: each retreat must be booked individually.

2026-06-19 (3 days) Gaia House

  
2026-06-20 Morning Instructions 57:14
Gavin Milne
Coming to the senses - directing our attention to the experience of bare ‘contact’. Guided meditation - contacting a neutral object in formal meditation, with bare awareness. Informal practice - simplifying, coming back to the body, and contacting the other senses.
2026-06-20 Talk 39:17
Gavin Milne
How meditation works. Understanding how key links in ‘dependent arising’ are interrupted, as we practice
2026-06-20 Guided Meditation 19:43
Gavin Milne
Radiating loving kindness - the ocean behind the heart
2026-06-21 Instructions; Guided Meditation. 69:41
Gavin Milne
Interrupting the causes of Dukkha, and the significance of feeling tone. Guided meditation - recognising that which takes us away, and the feeling tone. Intimacy with the neutral object. Informal practice: flexible awareness - finding what is appropriate: opening awareness, and contact with other sense doors, simplifying with the breathing.
2026-06-21 Relational Practice Instructions (Part 2) 26:19
Gavin Milne
Part 1 the day before was unfortunately not recorded.
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