with
Keith Rowan
Wangapeka Study & Retreat Centre
What we see and what we think we are seeing are not necessarily the same thing. We experience a world of ‘things’, believe them to truly exist, judge them desirable or undesirable and act accordingly.
This is a mistaken view which is at the root of all of our difficulties.
This deeply habitual view arises from a lack of close analysis, an ignoring of what is in front of us in every moment. Through a step by step process of close examination of our ‘here and now’ we can begin to dissolve habitual assumptions and reveal a state naturally calm, open and satisfying.
Keith Rowan has been inspired and guided by two wonderful mentors, Namgyal Rinpoche and Amnyi Trulchung Rinpoche and by simply paying attention to what is happening.
His teaching style comes from the traditions he was taught in – open, curious and friendly.
Having grown up studying the dharma in the West, he has the ability to express age old truths in a modern context.
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.
Five wisdoms, five activities, five families - investigating awakened nature while learning and unlearning what obstructs liberation in predominantly silent retreat at Wangapeka.
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.
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.