Fundamental questions on practice with Mark Ovland
16th September 2023
In this retreat we will alternate periods of silent meditation with the exploration of fundamental questions related to our practice: What does practice mean to me? What is my goal or aspiration? How do I relate to challenges? In these explorations, we will mainly adopt a group dialogue format rather than the conventional Dharma talks.
Mark Ovland: has been practising meditation since 2008. At the start of his journey he lived briefly as a monk in India, then on his return to the UK spent the following few years volunteering as a residential coordinator at the Barn Retreat and then Gaia House. Mark was invited to teach by the late Rob Burbea, with whom he studied and practised for a little under a decade. He co-founded the charity Freely Given Retreats and was a co-initiator of DANCE (the Dharma Action Network for Climate Engagement). Outside of retreat centres and meditation groups, Mark has also led courses in prisons, universities, and the workplace.
Retreat Day Venue: Glenfrome Primary School, Bristol, BS5 6TY
These days are run by Bristol Insight Meditation group from 10-4 with a shared lunch. You can arrive as from 9.30 to have a bit of time for a drink and to settle in before we start at 10am.
So please bring the following items with you on the day:
- a vegetarian dish to share (or your own pack lunch if you prefer),
- Chairs and gym mats are provided. You may wish to bring cushions and blankets for meditation.
Booking:
Early Bird Booking (one month or more before the retreat) is £20 waged and £10.00 unwaged.
Late Booking is £25 waged and £12.50 unwaged.
This covers the administration costs and the hall hire only. There will be an opportunity to offer dana (the practice of generosity) for the teacher as a donation on the day.
You can book on Eventbrite here.
For more information about our day retreats please visit our General Information and Practicalities page on our website.
For a list of all our 2023 retreats click here