with
Graham Price
Wangapeka Study & Retreat Centre
In 1982, a collection of discourses, images and 44 exercises offered by Namgyal Rinpoche on the use of art experiences to unfold the being, were published in a book titled "Unfolding through Art".
"The purpose of this exploration is not to produce a work of art but to "be" a work of art."
This course explores COLOUR as a pathway to authenticity, that gold (Au) of your being, that resonates on the inner plane while supported by compassionate non-verbal visual enquiry. This dialogue invites you to become playfully curious, sensorially involved, with pigment and all of your senses, fully engaging with the supportive, alive Wangapeka environment and incorporating this into your meditative mandala of experience.
In 1987, at a 10 day retreat in Taupo, Graham Price was directly introduced to this work. He spent an entire career supporting beginning students, teachers of art, and an international community of art education researchers into finding ways to support authentic response to the experienced world, using visual media.
His meditative journey continues to be supported by Chimé Shore, Tarchin Hearn, Namkhai Norbu, Cecile Kwiat, Sonam Senge, and Bonni Ross.
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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