Meditation
Retreat
with Ray Menezes
Friday 22nd
of June – Sunday 24th June 2012
Aylesford Priory
The
Friars
Aylesford, Kent, ME20 7BX
Consciousness does not move or change and so was not born
and can never die. Consciousness embraces all that is yet does this without any
volition at all. When we are in agreement with all that is we begin to approach
the nature of consciousness itself. Consciousness itself does not need to be in
agreement with anything - does the sky need to agree to its blueness to exist?
In agreement or acceptance we approach the nature of consciousness. In
disagreement or resistance we distance ourselves from our own nature of
consciousness. Even in disagreement we have not moved a fraction from
consciousness, for consciousness is what we are and it is not possible to move
away from what we are.
A weekend of enquiry into our true nature, from periods of
stillness (meditation) we will find that part of us that never changes. As we
learn to be with this stillness we will also work together in the group to
identify the part of us that gets in the way of this. This part will take the
form of gentle discussion within the group as a whole. You will be free to take
part in this discussion or to listen. The discussion is aimed at identifying
the obstacles created by the ego to insure its own existence. The weekend will
consist of alternating between these two parts of the process from stillness to
group discussion.
In order to fully be what we are we must learn to identify
clearly what we are not. As well as this core part of the process there will
also be meditation walks (learning to apply stillness to motion or activity) Also
there will be meditation walks within the grounds of Aylesford Priory.
Aylesford Priory was founded in 1242 and places like this
have a long history of spiritual enquiry, prayer and meditation. Around the
world I have found places with this kind of history and energy that can very
helpful as an aid to our own enquiry and meditation.
The priory can supply vegetarian meals for those who require
them (please let me know as soon as possible if you want vegetarian meals or if
you have any other special dietary requirements).
Aylesford Priory
www.thefriars.org.uk/
A meditation retreat can be an important source of
nourishment and replenishment and most importantly a time to get to know
ourselves in the deepest possible way. It is my view that we are all beginners
when it comes to this enquiry/meditation process - as to know anything in
regard to who or what we are is to know too much.
The cost of this retreat will be £195. This is for the retreat, accommodation and all meals. Accommodation is in single or double rooms.
A deposit of £50 is required to book a place and the balance to be paid by 20th June. Please bring your own cushions, benches or blankets for meditation if required. For those who wish to meditate on a chair these will be available.
Phone 07957 934047 for more details or to book a place.
By Train
London Victoria to Maidstone East
then taxi or No. 155 bus to The Friars
(Mon-Sat: no
bus service after 6.00 pm.
Sundays and Public Holidays: no bus service) or
London Victoria to West Malling
then taxi
By Road
1. M20 Junction 6 then
follow signs to Eccles and The Friars.
2. M2 Junction 3 then follow signs (towards Maidstone
A229) to Eccles and The Friars
(note: major roadworks presently at this junction)