with
Bonni Ross
Wangapeka Study & Retreat Centre
The Meditation on Breathing
We live; we breathe. As long as we can breathe, and know we are breathing, we can practice. Anapanasati is an accessible, profound meditation that is a complete path in itself.
One-pointedness of mind is the fundamental skill on which all of Sakyamuni Buddha’s practices rest. Beginning with exploration of the three stages of concentration, we will cultivate tranquility of mind. Deepening calm leads, in a natural process, to developing the skills which support vipassana; direct experience or insight into the nature of mind and the noble truths of the Path of Awakening.
This practice is open to all, and care will be taken to develop the meditative skills of all who attend. Participants should be in reasonably good physical and emotional health. Preference will be given to those attending the full retreat. Those able to come for shorter periods must begin at the beginning.
We live; we breathe. As long as we can breathe, and know we are breathing, we can practice. Anapanasati is an accessible, profound meditation that is a complete path in itself.
One-pointedness of mind is the fundamental skill on which all of Sakyamuni Buddha’s practices rest. Beginning with exploration of the three stages of concentration, we will cultivate tranquility of mind. Deepening calm leads, in a natural process, to developing the skills which support vipassana; direct experience or insight into the nature of mind and the noble truths of the Path of Awakening.
This practice is open to all, and care will be taken to develop the meditative skills of all who attend. Participants should be in reasonably good physical and emotional health. Preference will be given to those attending the full retreat. Those able to come for shorter periods must begin at the beginning.
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.