The Namgyal Meditations
Teaching and guided practice in commemoration and celebration of Namgyal Rinpoche
with
Bonni Ross
Wangapeka Study & Retreat Centre
Namgyal Rinpoche once told us he considered himself to be a conservative. He explained that he meant “one who preserves or conserves things that are precious.” For many of us, that meant the rigour with which he conveyed the essence of the practices and philosophical supports of the traditional Buddhist cultures, right up to the morning of the day of his passing away in October 2003.
In the 1980’s and early 90’s he crafted and taught a series of practices which he called “universalist.” They were designed for all beings, not only those inclined to religious practices, especially if they were culturally unfamiliar. These offer the essential ingredients of the purification and developmental meditative process of traditional Buddhadharma in verbal and symbolic language familiar to western-educated and scientifically conditioned people.
This year we will celebrate Namgyal Rinpoche’s life by recalling this very personal legacy, sprung from the depth of his vast understanding of the nature of universal consciousness meeting with the conditioning of people much like us.
A hearty gluten and dairy-free lunch will follow the morning session. You are welcome to offer dana for the teachings and for the cook. Lunch will be provided for all.
Please let us know you’ll be attending via the office caretaker at [email protected]. For more information contact [email protected].
Facilitator Bonni Ross will guide this session in honour of Namgyal Rinpoche. No detailed profile was present in the provided HTML.
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.
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