We have a huge barrel of wine, but no cups - The path of cessation

We have a huge barrel of wine, but no cups. That’s fine with us. Every morning we glow and in the evening we glow again. They say there’s no future for us. They’re right. Which is fine with us.
-Rumi

This poem has stayed with me for over twenty years. It speaks to the non-utilitarian nature of the Dharma life—the realisation that we don’t need to do anything or get anywhere.

In much of spiritual culture, we’re encouraged to grow, improve, develop—a path of progress and attainment. But the Buddha also spoke of another way: the path of cessation. A path not of becoming more, but of letting go. Of stopping.

The Tibetan term Dzogchen means “the great completion,” yet often we don’t feel complete. Something always seems missing—in our lives, ourselves, even this very moment.

This retreat invites us to practise without an agenda. To stop. To trust—however tentatively—that this moment might already be enough. Through silence, meditation, reflection, and devotional practice, we’ll discover the freedom offered by the path of cessation—the freedom of letting go.

The programme

In keeping with the theme, the programme will be spacious. You can expect a week of Dharma teachings, reflection, and meditation. There will also be time to do nothing at all, with long periods of silence each day and two or three days of complete silence in the middle of the week.

Vajradarshini is known for her down-to-earth approach to Dharma practice. She draws widely on the Buddhist tradition, as well as on contemporary art and culture, weaving them together to create engaging and enjoyable retreats.

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.