with
Mark Schrader, Kath Mitchell & Daniel Burgess-Milne
Wangapeka Study & Retreat Centre
The Service as the Path retreat is the opportunity for those new to dharma and meditation, as well as those more familiar, to be guided and supported to develop your practice in the wonderful retreat environment of Wangapeka. Together we will explore themes related to the first two Parami: Dana and Sila (generosity and wholesome relating). During the retreat there will be dedicated periods of silence and reflective time inviting you to connect more deeply with your own inner wisdom.
As part of attending, there is a commitment to join the work exchange programme (this subsidises the accommodation cost) and provides you with the opportunity to directly support the Wangapeka and the valuable work that happens here. The work exchange has an aspect of physical labour. If you feel you may not be able to participate in this, please make contact as we will attempt to identify some other tasks that better suit your specific needs and strengths. Ideally, the retreat will give you the chance to integrate your own inner meditative work with daily compassionate action – an expression of dana (generosity-in-action).
This retreat may be integrated into the Service as The Path programme, and for those who are interested can potentially be explored as a doorway into longer periods of service and study at Wangapeka. You can learn more about the programme by emailing [email protected].
Mark has appreciated co-facilitating various Community-led Courses at Wangapeka Study and Retreat Centre and has an extensive background in meditation and continues to keep a regular daily meditation practice spanning many years. He has a respectful style of teaching that encourages each person to touch into their own inherent wisdom. He teaches with humour and kindness. Mark began working in the field of Mental Health about 20 years ago and currently works as a counsellor in Nelson where he lives with his partner, Kath.
Kath completed her first meditation retreat with Tarchin Hearn in 1989. She has studied Dharma with Bonni Ross for over twenty-five years and continues to cherish this precious opportunity. Kath is a teacher and health worker. She offers meditation retreats, workshops and meditation instruction at Wangapeka and in Nelson. She loves to practice Dharma and study in community, because the wisdom of the group is a powerful and beautiful path to transformation; and that is always a joy to witness and experience together!
Dan has been studying Buddhadharma since 2012 and has received teachings from various teachers including Tarchin Hearn, Bonni Ross and Lama Mark Webber. He has been both a participant and facilitator of Young Adult’s Retreats and has a background working in mental health with youth. Dan has a passion for understanding insight through a contemporary lens, and finding new concepts and methods for exploring timeless wisdom in a modern world.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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