A Buddhist Meditation Yurt Retreat In Portugal

http://www.lakeview-yurt-retreat.com/index.php

Lake View Yurt Retreat 

This is a heads up to my friend Colin who runs the Lake View Yurt Retreat  in central Portugal. When I first became interested in meditation Colin was the first person that I contacted to get some help and advice. He was very happy and open to to share his experiences and eventually we formed a meditation group together. We held the meditation mornings at my place every Saturday. These were enlightening times that I will never forget.Sharing a meditation space with friends is a very powerful experience and a real benefit to practice. We used to meditate for an hour and then take a break to do a solo silent walking meditation around my land. I had a saucepan lid that sounded just like a gong when I hit it with a wooden spoon. Three chimes was the call to return and sit for another hour. Sometimes we would have a silent lunch and then meditate for another two hours. The spaces in between the sittings where magical as my cottage is surrounded by forest and infused with nature. Within this space of heightened awareness and silence I noticed things that would normally pass me by, the stuff of life. Colourful insects crawling upon the stem of a flower, gentle summer breezes caressing my face, a pair of red kites circling over head in the blue sky, a sign perhaps to the open and quiet mind? In the height of summer the buzz of a million insects wings filled the air, especially amplified when walking beneath the apple trees that were in full blossom. I noticed these things that had subtly slipped away from my conciousness, it was similar to living near a busy road, eventually you don't hear the traffic until someone mentions it. It was amusing to note that my dog Tony who is normally so inquisitive and full of life would pick up on the meditation energy and become very still. Making it clear to us that all beings are intrinsically connected energetically, and showing the profound effect that we humans have upon our surroundings.

Tony Zen Master Dog

                A Holiday Space To Just Be

http://www.lakeview-yurt-retreat.com/index.php

Colin is too Buddhist to actually call himself a Buddhist but he sure knows how to hold a space and leave you to it when you need time alone. The Lake View Yurt Retreat is a place where you can relax in nature and take time to get back in touch with yourself. If you want food Colin is a great cook and a fine host that can produce the loveliest and most wholesome food from his very basic forest kitchen. He is also better at baking cakes than your Grandma! I am not joking. The yurts are locally made and well kitted out with all the basic needs that you require. The most amazing thing is the location that seems to have been attracting people with a spiritual lean for many years, some spaces have that power. Before Colin moved in and created the Lake View Yurt Retreat the space was used for ceremonies and sweat lodges. Colin has kept the vibe alive and it is palpable in the air as you first arrive. The yurts nestle on the bank of a crystal clear lake. Swimming is a dream here.

Free Wine Or Breakfast!
Have a look at the Lake View Yurt Retreat website at: http://www.lakeview-yurt-retreat.com/index.php and see all the other wonderful stuff that is available there. Mention the Buddhist Pathway Blog and get a free bottle of wine or if you are abstaining then have a free breakfast for two instead. Either way if you will be in for a peaceful and enlightening experience. This post is for you Colin a true Dharma friend.  

        

Why Do People Meditate?

Why Meditate?

Leshan Giant Buddha in China
71 meters high! 

It's a good question, people sitting in silence with eyes closed may seem strange to many of us. What is going through their minds and is this some kind of religion? Some meditation practitioners do have a strong faith in a God or a train of thought to focus on, it depends on the school they have chosen. Others might be repeating a mantra or have their eyes open staring at a blank wall while others have closed eyes and observe the sensations that arise within the body. Whatever the method of practice in most cases the ultimate goal is peace of mind, and knowledge of the mind. We cannot dispute the fact that despite vast technical advances and medical miracles, we as a species are still deeply troubled. Despite the abundance of care and material wealth that many of us have, millions of people still experience problems with feeling isolated, anxious and depressed, detached from the joy and spontaneity that we experienced as children. More than one in ten Americans regularly take some form of anti-depressant drug, a rise of 400% in recent years!  So how do we hope to regain the joy and compassion that we feel so alienated from without trying to achieve them from drugs or the ever changing and impermanent external world? Meditation has helped millions of people over thousands of years to achieve a greater peace of mind and a happier life. When I see the enormous statues from the ancient world I feel that they validate the power of meditation and Buddhism, why would people go to such lengths to express their gratitude?

The Preliminary Stages of Meditation

An Early Starter

The main reason people begin to meditate is that they understand that the nature of suffering arises from within their own mind. We all inherit problems of one form or another from our past and most of us bring suffering to ourselves with our thoughts. We cannot change the past and it all adds up to the content of our minds, this can lead to distressing thoughts and eventually to anxiety, instability and depression. Buddhist meditation can alleviate our suffering and bring greater awareness to our inner world. Through this awareness it is possible to prevent ourselves from becoming overwhelmed by our emotions and develop a steady introspective attention otherwise known as 'mindfulness and clear comprehension'. “Know thyself !“ , you will be in auspicious company if you live by these words and begin to explore the rich temple of your inner world. 

Click on link for meditation cushions and start today!

 http://buddhistpathway.blogspot.co.uk/p/meditation-cushions-stools.html