Integrating Physical Body, Subtle Energy and Consciousness
with
Bonni Ross
Wangapeka Study & Retreat Centre
Liberation teachings support the purification and expansion of consciousness holistically, engaging with physical form, subtle energy anatomy and the conceptual/emotional screens, filters and blinds which obscure the ultimate nature of mind.
Over a 7 month period, from October 2023 to May 2024 in four separate sessions, Bonni will offer a continuum of practice for those who wish to begin or deepen spiritual inquiry and healing in their daily lives.
Drawing on methods from eastern traditions of Buddhadharma, unique practices crafted by Venerable Namgyal Rinpoche and the closely-guarded work of western esoteric traditions, this program will provide opportunity for those at all stages of purification and development of consciousness.
In our cultural setting, most practitioners are householders (“worldlings” Sakyamuni Buddha called us!) Our challenge, when we return to our regularly scheduled lives, is to keep the freshness alive, sometimes in the absence of more experienced practitioners and communities capable of supporting our daily life practice.
We are currently investigating ways to support those who attend these retreats in the post-retreat period. An experiment followed the January retreat early this year with an optional online learning circle of interested participants who were provided with regular resource material to contemplate. This group met on zoom to share/discuss experience at regular intervals. Once a month Bonni joined in a question/ponder session to support and deepen the discoveries people were sharing. We’ll build on the feedback we received in designing this season’s retreat support. Stay tuned!
The first retreat in October, will examine different learning and teaching styles, traditional and contemporary. Namgyal Rinpoche said, more than once, “The student creates the teacher.” Our western cultural assumption is that in a learning situation, the teacher has all the power. In the context of liberation teaching, it is the curiosity and interest and dedication and innate wisdom of the student that determines what sort of teaching is offered.
1. TEACHER, MENTOR, SPIRITUAL FRIEND, GURU
October 13 to 17, 2023
Open to All
The second retreat, six weeks later, will explore the principle that body and mind are not separate. If our bodies, including the senses through which we receive data, are agitated, shut down or in pain, it will be very difficult for our minds to settle into a state of durable clarity and peace. It is so important that our “daily life practice” includes do-able methods to support and enhance the qualities of relaxation and stimulation that we access in retreat. If not, we get the feeling that we are trying to move forward with one foot on the accelerator and one foot on the brake. This leads to frustration, and giving up — until the next retreat.
2. PEACEFUL HUMAN BODY
December 1 to 8, 2023
Open to All
As summer blooms, each year in January we have headed to Wangapeka for a “skills development” retreat focussed on a traditional practice that is do-able when we return home. This year, we’ll study and practice the Buddha’s teaching on the union of breath and energy, which he declared was the only practice safe for all beings to explore without the guidance of a teacher. Namgyal Rinpoche’s inspired Holistic Clearing Meditation will augment the discoveries that arise from potent breath practice.
3. BREATH IS ENERGY HEALING, BREATH IS LIFE
January 12 to 26, 2024
Open to All
Preference will be given to those with some experience of one-pointed focus practice.
The final retreat offering in this series requires a good skill-set and subtle perception. The first section will look at some traditional methods for accessing the experience of space/ consciousness/emptiness. Building on these discoveries, in the second section we will investigate formation of group consciousness as the platform for opening to infinite potential.
4. SPACE
Part 1 – April 19 to May 3, 2024
Open to Experienced Meditators
Preference will be given to those attending the January Breath Retreat.
Part 2 – May 3 to May 17, 2024
Pre-requisite for attendance is Part 1
Bonni Ross has taught extensively at the Wangapeka over the last 30 years and is a deeply respected ‘Centre Elder’. She guides individuals in developing focused and skillful meditation and leads retreats for depth unfoldment.
Bonni began exploring the teachings of liberation in the early sixties. In the mid 70’s she met her principal teacher, Venerable Namgyal Rinpoche, whose direct, eclectic teaching and example are central to her life. Bonni teaches from a deep wealth of meditative experience. She communicates with sensitivity, creativity and humour in a way that resonates with each individual present.
The Wangapeka Retreat Experience
Whenua Land
The retreat takes place on the beautiful Wangapeka whenua nestled in stunning native forests with expansive views down the Wangapeka valley. The land itself provides a healing sanctuary surrounded by mature trees and offering the perfect environment for reflection and reconnection with nature.
Kainga Accommodation
Accommodation is included in the price of the retreat, with all rooms being comfortable and well-appointed with single beds and electric heating. Shared bathroom facilities are conveniently located close to all rooms.
Kai Food
All meals are included in this retreat to support the your well-being and focus. Our kitchen team prepares nourishing vegetarian food to sustain and delight you throughout your stay. Specific dietary requirements can be accommodated and self-catering is also possible if you prefer to bring and prepare your own food.
Whare Wānanga Teaching Space
This teaching room is beautifully crafted and has been used for a wide variety of teaching for over 20 years. It has a wooden parquet floor and a pot belly stove to keep away winter chills. Set amongst beautiful mature trees, it offers a charming view looking down the Wangapeka valley, creating an inspiring environment for movement and meditation practices.
Whare kai Main Hall
The original building at Wangapeka, the Main Hall serves as the heart of community life with its combined living and dining room, library, and welcoming wood burner. Tea, coffee, and snacks are freely available here throughout your stay. Whether you choose to relax in the cosy interior or step out onto the porch to enjoy the expansive views, this space invites connection and contemplation. The hall also houses the kitchen, bathroom facilities, and laundry for your convenience.
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