Rivendell Retreat Centre
Nr Uckfield, E Sussex
[of Holub, Herbert, Milosz and Popa] ”Their poetic themes revolve around the living, suffering spirit, capable of
happiness, much deluded, too frail, with doubtful and provisional senses... but
palpably existing, and wanting to go on existing - and this is not, as in
Beckett’s world, absurd; It is the only precious thing, and designed in accord with the whole universe. Designed indeed by the whole universe. They are not the spoiled brats of
civilization disappointed of all impossible and unreal expectations, and
deprived of the revelations of necessity.”
–Ted Hughes: from the introduction to the Collected Poems of Vasco Popa.
Imagine: a large enclosed garden bursting with spring flowers, cherry, pear and
apple trees in blossom, a wild wood where you can walk and conjure the local
spirits (dont worry, they're used to it!), peaceful Sussex meadows and woods
all around; a resident community on hand to help, whatever your need; cooking
that is second to none; a group of friends that is happy to take you and your
work seriously.
And on top of all this a residential workshop with a group of men and women who
are there to discover a more intense and authentic way of life through Buddhist
meditation and writing.. this is Wolf at The Door at Rivendell. It happens each
spring and you could be part of it. Don't miss out: try it!
Why a retreat?
At certain times we need to simplify or clarify our lives and clear out the
mental garbage that is obstructing the clear flow of energy, maybe even shut
down the old habits completely for a while. Although the basic material we
study is essentially the same on retreats as on day workshops, the sense of
commitment and renewal you experience on a longer retreat, where the
environment is especially dedicated to achieving these ends free from external
distractions and obligations, is of immense value.
A longer retreat can give you the chance to really make a change. As the poet
Jane Hirshfield writes: "this is the work of the threshold: to step into places of seeming barrenness,
emptiness, or neglect, and bring back an abundance new-coined."
Please note we don’t as a rule give meditation instruction on this retreat, so please only book if
you are familiar with the meditation practices taught in the Triratna movement.
Our next retreat at Rivendell is February 10 - 17th
“The sounds of the first lines set up a series of promises and expectations
(about sound, rhythm, syllable and sense) which govern the rest of the poem.
The manner in which we keep our promises is one way form comes about.”
–Stephen Dunn