Welcome to The Good Retreat Guide Web Online
Here you will find dozens of places to find peace and spiritual renewal all over Europe and beyond. Interesting, wonderful, different, and exciting places to relax, explore your inner awareness, and practice your spiritual beliefs. You can also read about going on a retreat, about different kinds of spiritual practices, how to meditate, and much more.
I hope you find something to take with you from this website. May you be blessed in your journey of the spirit.
Stafford Whiteaker, Editor
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Ajahn Sumedho,
the world-renowned Western disciple
of Thai Meditation Master Ajahn Chah,
will lead his first retreat in Ireland during August
Sunyata Retreat Centre
Co Clare, Ireland
13th - 15th August, 2010
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Mindfulness: The Path to the Deathless
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Luang Por Ajahn Sumedho, a world famous Buddhist teacher, is the senior Western representative of the Thai forest tradition of Therevada Buddhism. He has been abbot of Amaravati Buddhist Monastery just north of London since its consecration in 1984. Luang Por means Venerable Father, an honorific and term of affection in keeping with Thai custom. A bhikkhu for 40 years, Sumedho is considered a seminal figure in the transmission of the Buddha's teachings to the West. This retreat is expected to attract many people so book now if you want to go to this very special event.
See Sunyata Retreat Centre entry for details.
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Self Realization Meditation Healing Centre
Mind Body Spirit - Non-Denominational
The Centre is a charitable trust run by a team of counsellors and healers living and working together as a spiritual family under the loving guidance of Mata Yogananda Mahasaya Dharma. The Centre teaches the ancient art and science of Pure Meditation, and offers Natural Spiritual Healing, Progressive Counselling and Self-Development Retreats and Professional Training courses.
See Summer & Winter 2010 Programme
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The Catholic Worker Farm is working to support and accommodate destitute women who are guests at the farm no matter how short or long their stay. These are vulnerable homeless women and children disentitled to benefits or work permits, literally "street homeless". The house and farm are located near London, England, on a working farm, restored to suit the needs and comforts of our Guests, where we try to live each day by the love and values of Jesus Christ. Hospitality here has extended to over forty women since August of 2006. Along with othe resident family, the house permanently accommodates eight individuals who have battled through horrific circumstances to reach the peace and safety which our community endeavors to provide. As well as providing accommodation and companionship within the life of the community, they also offer to advocate on the womens' behalf so that they can initiate progress in their own lives. "For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me." Matt. 25.
www.thecatholicworkerfarm.org
The Catholic Worker Farm is part of the London Catholic Worker.
www.londoncatholicworker.org
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Center for Contemplative Mind in Society
The Center for Contemplative Mind in Society is an American foundation which " works to integrate contemplative awareness into contemporary life in order to help create a more just, compassionate, reflective, and sustainable society. Contemplative practices, including prayer, meditation, yoga, and many contemplative arts, help individuals regain balance and calm in the midst of challenging circumstances. This state of calm centeredness provides effective stress reduction and can also help address issues of meaning, values, and spirit. Contemplative practices can help people develop greater empathy and communication skills, improve focus and concentration, reduce stress and enhance creativity. In time, with sustained commitment, they cultivate insight, wise discernment, and a loving and compassionate approach to life." While admitting that personal transformation in itself
"does not guarantee the transformation of social institutions", the Center has a fundemental belief that " contemplative awareness can assist individuals and groups in identifying the root causes of social problems and finding creative approaches to eliminating them."
www.contemplativemind.org
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Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
Europe's First Traditional Hindu Temple
Enjoy hours of discovery and peace at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir – a masterpiece of design and workmanship that rises above London's skyline. With its white pinnacles and glittering marble pillars, the mandir continues to attract over half a million visitors annually BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir was the dream of Yogiji Maharaj and the work of Pramukh Swami Maharaj. The story of its creation includes the impressive logistics of quarrying the stones, transportation, carving, fund raising and volunteerism. From conception to completion, the mandir was a demonstration of the spirit of devotees at its creative and devotional best. www.swaminarayan-baps.org
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