Under the Rose Apple Tree

Before the Buddha’s awakening beneath the Bodhi Tree, he experienced a profound turning point that led to what was to follow. This experience was an insight that led him to turn away from the unprofitable, wilful and harsh path that he had previously been following. In that moment, he recollected a childhood memory of sitting beneath a Rose Apple tree where he had experienced a deep contentment and spontaneous joy.
We will explore this crucial episode in the Buddha’s journey together through experiencing being fully present and deeply connected to ourselves, others and the world around us through a vibrant contentment and the gift of the imagination. All essential components of the Buddha’s own experience beneath the Rose Apple tree that ultimately led him to awakening.

Our practice on the retreat will be reflecting on the Buddha’s Dharma, meditation and gentle body work, coupled with images, stories, creativity being in nature, and periods of silence. We will also create a community of practice and share our own experience and learn from, and support others, in a group context.

“At the source of the longest river, The voice of the hidden waterfall, And the children in the apple-tree, Not known, because not looked for, But heard, half-heard, in the stillness, Between two waves of the sea.”

T.S. Elliot, ‘Little Gidding’

You can see a video with Nagasiddhia talking about the Buddha’s experience under the Rose Apple Tree

RETREAT CATEGORY:TRIRATNA

This retreat is suitable for those who have a regular meditation practice and who regularly attend retreats, a centre or a group within the context of the Triratna Buddhist Community. You will also need to be familiar with, and happy to participate in, Triratna Buddhist devotional practice and ritual (puja), be comfortable with extended periods of sitting meditation and the possibility on some retreats of periods spent in silence.

Please read our booking and cancellation policies and FAQs before booking.