Black and White
a Retreat in Western Mysteries Form
with
Bonni Ross
Wangapeka Study & Retreat Centre
Vast and finite. Day and night. Dark and light. Wrong and right.
Flee or fight. Loose and tight. Divide and unite. Rude and polite.
We are conditioned to perceive opposites. Our awareness of apparent dualities conditions all of our experience.
Our exploration of the power of black and white will engage the body in gentle physical movement — structured and creative. We’ll connect deeply with feelings through expression in colour and form… sound and silence. Creative imagination, meditation and dialogue will take us into new learning. Our practice will provide both solitary and interactive opportunities.
We invite you to suspend expectation and disbelief and enter the mystery we are already living.
Cost
This includes food, accommodation and a resource fee (but does not include *dana to the teacher):
- Members: $595 plus dana
- Non-members: $665 plus dana
- Camping option: $504 members / $525 non-members plus dana
Participants should be in reasonably healthy states of mind and body, as both the inner landscape of personal emotion and the outer environment of Wangapeka present challenges. Preference will be given to those able to attend the full retreat. Those applying to come for shorter periods must begin at the beginning.
Dana
Traditionally an offering of dana is made to the teacher at the beginning of the retreat and is a profound practice in itself. Giving can help us open; and through an open hearted state of receptivity, we can find ourselves more able to receive.
Please bring cash if you would like to make a financial contribution to the Teacher. Giving as generously as you can, enables Bonni to continue sharing the precious Teachings for the benefit of all. Thank you.
Bonni Ross has taught extensively at the Wangapeka over the last 30 years and is a deeply respected ‘Centre Elder ’. She 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 and teaching.
The Wangapeka Retreat Experience
Whenua Land
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.
Kainga Accommodation
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.
Kai Food
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.
Whare Wānanga Teaching Space
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.
Whare kai Main Hall
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.
More Upcoming Events
The Fives Retreat
Entering the Mandala of Wisdom Buddhas
Five wisdoms, five activities, five families - investigating awakened nature while learning and unlearning what obstructs liberation in predominantly silent retreat at Wangapeka.
Awakening Intimacy
Join friends, co-facilitators and intimacy explorers Camila and Ross for an immersion into the mystery and practice of intimacy. Flowing between stillness and movement, inner and outer, solitude and togetherness, we offer opportunities to give, receive, and savor experiences of authentic connection with yourself, with others, and the natural world.
Touching Grief, Touching Earth
A Solstice Retreat
This five-day retreat is an exploration of the apprenticeship of grief — learning how to turn towards what is difficult, rather than away from it; learning how to be shaped by not-knowing, restraint and humility as acts of reverence.