Dr Alan Wallace    
Four Applications of Mindfulness 
 7 day retreat in Lampeter UK, August 2017
Contemplative and Consciousness Network
7 day retreat with Dr Alan Wallace on the Four Applications of Mindfulness
CCN is delighted to announce that Alan Wallace is returning to the UK to lead a 7 day silent retreat on the Four Applications of Mindfulness at Lampeter Campus, Trinity St David, University of Wales, from Thursday 24th August to Thursday 31st August 2017.

Application is now open - please scroll down to How to Apply
 

Four Applications of Mindfulness
A central message of the Buddha's teachings is that the mind is purified of its afflictions through the integrated cultivation of meditative quiescence ( śamatha ) and contemplative insight ( vipaśyanā ).

During this retreat, we will focus on the four close applications of mindfulness, which form the foundation of Buddhist insight practice.

These include mindfulness of the body, feelings, mental states, and mental objects. As we investigate the nature of these features of our existence, we will probe the very nature of human identity and the possibility of freedom. A central theme will be the cultivation of discerning mindfulness in which we will increasingly distinguish between phenomena presented to our senses and the conceptual projections that we impose on reality.

This retreat will be of particular interest for those involved in the modern mindfulness movement in that it will explore the deep roots from which the teachings of secular mindfulness have been extracted.

About Dr Alan Wallace

Dr. Alan Wallace is an internationally recognised Buddhist scholar and teacher who has studied and practiced Buddhism for over 45 years. He spent fourteen years as a Tibetan Buddhist monk, ordained by H.H. the Dalai Lama and he has studied with many great teachers from the Geluk, Nyingma, Sakya, Kagyu, and Theravada schools. He has received extensive teaching on the Four Close Applications of Mindfulness in both the Theravada and Mahayana traditions.

Alan is a world-renowned meditation teacher, specializing in śamatha and vipaśyanā (which include mindfulness) and Dzogchen teachings.   He also brings deep insight and extensive knowledge of mindfulness as taught in secular movements and spiritual traditions other than Buddhism.  In 2000 he collaborated with Dr. Paul Ekman to produce a secular 8-week training known as Cultivating Emotional Balance which includes a significant mindfulness component.  The training has been run each year since in England, Scotland, Australia, Spain, Singapore, and Italy.
 
Apart from his training in Buddhism, Alan has a degree in physics and philosophy of science and a doctorate in religious studies.  Drawing on this multi-faceted background, he brings 45 years of dedicated and profound practice and the wisdom of authentic experience to the challenge of integrating traditional Buddhist training with the needs of the modern world.

About Lampeter Campus
The Lampeter Campus is a beautiful quiet setting in the small town of Lampeter in mid Wales.

For more information

Excellent travel information is available from the Lampeter Town Council website.
How to Apply
Application is a TWO stage process:
1.  Scroll down to Register. The retreat fee of £200 covers the hire of the hall,        costs of setting up, administration and Alan's travel costs.

2.  Scroll down to Accommodation and book your accommodation type.                Payment is made directly to the university.

Register
Please pay the registration fee here 
Accommodation
Lampeter Campus offers a wide range of accommodation, including camping.  You can pay the university directly by clicking here.

The retreat starts at 7pm, after supper on the 24th August  and ends after breakfast on the 31st August.  Lampeter Campus welcomes people to stay additional nights before or after the retreat, please book directly with the accommodation office.

Accommodation costs include full board with special dietary options.  The rooms are simply furnished, light, airy and pleasant.

Please note that the retreat is silent.

Lampeter Campus, University of Wales
Dana
In the Buddhist tradition, teachings are given freely because they are considered priceless. Students practice dana, or generosity, by making monetary offerings for the teachings. Dana is not a fee, it is given voluntarily and from the heart.  Your generosity is a gift that supports not just your teacher, but also the sangha, wider dharma community and your own practice.

Dana is normally given personally to Alan during the ending ceremony.  Suggested contribution is £50. This is not included in the registration fee.

Bursary fund
C CN offers bursaries so that no-one is excluded from the retreat because of low income.  If you would like to help others to participate please consider contributing to the Bursary fund, the details of which are in the registration form.  Please note that the donation form can be confusing.  You should add '1' in the quantity column, not the amount you wish to give.  Thank you.

If you wish to apply for a bursary please contact Elizabeth West by clicking here, and explain your situation and how much support you need.