Awakening Together: Spiritual Friendship GFR Retreat at Aryaloka

How is spiritual friendship distinguished from our other relationships? Why is Spiritual Friendship emphasized so strongly in our Community and Order? What is the nature of the horizontal and vertical dimension of friendship inherent in Triratna? 

Our teacher Sangharakshita has said: "It is in friendship (maitri) that we may find the emotional equivalent of the intellectual understanding of the doctrine of ‘no self.’” Through friendship we have the opportunity to develop the virtues of generosity, compassion, patience, and forgiveness. The gift of these teachings can help us move beyond self-clinging into a deeper and far more mysterious connection with one another - a Greater Love.

Team: Amala, Aryadrishti, Padmatara, Sunada, Viriyalila and Ashokashri

Retreat preparation materials will be shared with all participants in May 2024.

Please note the updated start date of Saturday evening as there will now be a public ordination at Aryaloka on Saturday! A separate announcement will be sent regarding attending the ordination. Please note that there will be limited space at Aryaloka prior to the start time of the GFR retreat. If you are planning to come early, please make arrangements for your stay someplace other than Aryaloka. Contact us at alokasetu@gmail.com if you have any questions or need assistance.

This is an in-person retreat with limited spaces for women* who have requested ordination in the Triratna Buddhist Order.

*The Triratna Buddhist movement has a long, rich history of offering women-only practice spaces. At the same time, we welcome participation from a diversity of gender identities, including trans women and those who identify as non-binary. We ask all participants to be open to this broader definition of a women-centered space. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at alokasetu@gmail.com 

We strive to make all our retreats affordable regardless of financial circumstances. 

Sliding Scale Retreat Fees: $700 | $550 | $400

• $700, our actual fee for the retreat. It is for people paying their living expenses, and who can afford occasional or regular leisure expenses such as dining out. 
• $550 for those who are paying their living expenses, though experience a consistent tightness in budget that makes extras like leisure activities or unexpected expenses difficult or impossible.
• $400 for those without an income or with an income low enough that making ends meet is a challenge.
• The Chintamani Fund is available to support those who would like financial assistance for in-person retreat participation. 
• We will accept $50 Deposit to hold your place, balance due four weeks prior to the retreat
• If you would prefer to pay by check, please contact us at alokasetu@gmail.com.

Retreat Team costs are covered by our Alokasetu - Bridge of Light - Fund - please consider a one-off or monthly donation to support ordination training team costs in our region.

Aryaloka Retreat Center Information

This is an IN-PERSON retreat, no online option.  As space is limited, those living in the eastern region will be given preference for attending this retreat. We are looking for help in organizing transportation and food shopping. If you live in the Seacoast area and would like to help, please contact Viriyalila at alokasetu@gmail.com.

Details regarding accommodations and travel may be viewed on the Aryaloka website.

Health and Safety

Please take reasonable precautions to protect against COVID-19 infection in the days leading up to the retreat. If you consider yourself at increased risk you should not attend. We will ask everyone to take a Covid-19 rapid test on the first day of the event and again a few days later.

Food and Work Periods

All food is vegan, with eggs and dairy options on the side.  If you have any food allergies please let us know when you register. Retreatants will work in teams to manage our food needs with a member of the team assisting with food preparation + planning.

Accommodations

Aryaloka is located on fourteen acres of woodland and bordered by the winding Piscassic river. Since its founding in 1985, Aryaloka has been a place of spiritual discovery. We are a community dedicated to the study, practice and communication of Buddhist teachings. 

Travel and Carpooling

If you need help organizing a ride please let us know and we will do our best to get you there. If you are driving and can offer rides from Portland, Boston, Portsmouth, or New York, please also let us know. Thank you!