with
Bonni Ross
Wangapeka Study & Retreat Centre
This is the first in a program of retreats in 2023/24 being offered by Bonni.
There may be a “Weekend Only” option (13-15th October) available, however preference will be given to those who can attend the full retreat. To request to attend for the weekend only, please contact the Course Manager Jane Hobday [email protected]
Open to All.
This retreat 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.
Teacher, Mentor, Spiritual Friend, Guru. What do these words mean, and how do they fit in to healing and transformation? Spiritual work appears to be fundamentally a solitary activity, but supportive people, friends and communities of like-minded ones can ease the way to the realisation that no one does it alone! We are interconnected, influenced, inspired, discouraged, supported, and mesmerised by all of life. What can help us navigate this huge unknown?
For a few days, in supportive circumstances, we’ll explore and question, discuss, expand and shrink our views and learn to listen . . . to inner wisdom, the natural world and other humans. We’ll move our bodies, meditate alone and together, eat, sleep, dream and share.
Participants should be in reasonably good physical and mental health to enjoy the challenges, inner and outer, of life at Wangapeka.
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 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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