What have we been doing? - a list of past events
January 2021
A Glimpse Through The Keyhole
The Preliminary Practices of the Diamond Vehicle with Bonni Ross January 15th - 29th At The Wangapeka Study and Retreat Centre |
The Individual Vehicle is like walking to India.
The Altruistic Vehicle is like driving to India.
The Transformative Vehicle is like taking a rocket ship to India.
– HH the Dalai Lama
The Altruistic Vehicle is like driving to India.
The Transformative Vehicle is like taking a rocket ship to India.
– HH the Dalai Lama
Have you tumbled down a rabbit hole into the strange interior world of Dharma study and practice? Are you finding your curiosity, your awareness of falling into ethical potholes and your repeating emotional patterns increasing?
This retreat is for those with some dedicated experience of practice who are feeling a deep imperative to awaken quickly for the benefit of all sentient beings. It assumes a certain maturity of view and commitment . . . . . . or possibly an uninformed willingness to try new adventures, fuelled by understanding that the dire state of life on Earth is more compelling than airing one’s own opinions. For more information and to register .... A Glimpse Through the Keyhole |
Beginning Now! An Introductory Meditation Retreat
January 7th - 12th At The Wangapeka Study and Retreat Centre Where do I start?
I’ve never done a retreat before. There is so much going on in the world. How can meditation really help me and others? I wish my busy mind could be more quiet and calm. Silent for 5 days- how could anyone do that? |
Want to learn to meditate? Perhaps you’ve tried and need some more skills as well as some extra encouragement? Or possibly, you wish to deepen your practice and simply drop into 5 days of meditation. If this sounds like you, then this retreat will support you to explore this.
For more information and to register …. Beginning Now! An Introductory Meditation Retreat
December 2020
Peace in the Park
In collaboration with Nelson Buddhist Centre, Nelson Insight Meditation, and Mindful Living Nelson. Sunday December 13th, 10:00am to 12:00pm, ANZAC park, Nelson. *** Also January 10th, February 14th, March 14th and April 11th *** Join us for a second year of gentle quietude and play in the midst of summer in the city. This summer brings together several local groups dedicated to peace. Bring your friends and whānau, chairs, blankets, water, sunscreen and cushions for comfort. Kids are welcome to play independently or join in when they wish. Dana/Koha. For further information please contact Duncan at dharmasphere108@gmail.com
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November 2020
A Compass for Awakening. The Practice of Doing No Harm
October 22nd - November 26th at Yoga Jai Studio, 105 Rutherford Street The practice of 'doing no harm' is both a wonderful support to mindful, wholesome living, and an essential foundation for developing meditative ease and wisdom on the path of Dharma. |
The traditional framework for the practice is known as the 'Five Training Precepts'. These ethical principles serve like a compass for aligning to inner-truth. When we come from this place of clear intention, our actions have the best chance of supporting the wellbeing of both self and others.
In this 6 week course we will embark on a guided exploration of these principles, through meditation, contemplation, and community sharing.
Times: Thursdays evenings Oct 22nd - Nov 26th 7:15pm - 8:45pm
Course Fee: $50 for 6 classes or $10 per class. Plus optional Dana / Donation. If finances are a barrier for you attending, please get in touch with us
Venue: Yoga Jai Studio, 105 Rutherford Street, upstairs (entrance opposite Hyundai).
Contact: Jane at dharmasphere108@gmail.com
In this 6 week course we will embark on a guided exploration of these principles, through meditation, contemplation, and community sharing.
Times: Thursdays evenings Oct 22nd - Nov 26th 7:15pm - 8:45pm
Course Fee: $50 for 6 classes or $10 per class. Plus optional Dana / Donation. If finances are a barrier for you attending, please get in touch with us
Venue: Yoga Jai Studio, 105 Rutherford Street, upstairs (entrance opposite Hyundai).
Contact: Jane at dharmasphere108@gmail.com
Download the flyer for these classes: ...
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Sew-A-Thon
Saturday November 7th, 10:00am to 3:00pm, at 4 Mickell Rd, Brooklyn, Motueka We are holding a second community sew-a-thon to make a set of meditation cushions and mats for dharmasphere. Please come along if you can. We have patterns sorted and just need a few helpers. Food and drink will be provided. Just bring yourselves and feel free to come at any time during the day. For more information contact Jane Hobday jane.hobday17@gmail.com |
Developing the Meditation on Peace
Peace Meditation with Bonni Ross Sunday November 8th, 10.00am at the Earth Hub, Nelson. As we enter the second year of this exploration, we will deepen our engagement with this transformative practice and move gently into how we can focus this peaceful, serene quality to support and heal our world. Please join us as we continue to explore the breadth and depth of the Peace Meditation. All are welcome!
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Touching Base
Movement and Meditation Day Retreat with Chani Grieve Sunday November 15th, 10am - 3pm at Fellworth House, Nelson In this day of deepening and enquiry, we will explore through movement and meditation the art and skill of Touching Base. By softening into the body through gentle, intelligent movement, we also learn to recognise the power of our own minds, and how to stay fully present, at home, in this body, on this earth. |
There is a subtle but potent deconstruction that happens with every aware moment - an interruption in the relentless tide of habitual tendencies. A moment of sanity. Staying present in the body allows us to bear loving witness to the moments unfolding through us, and to choose our response. Each moment we do this, we plant beautiful seeds for a different kind of future - one that is being shaped by what we are doing now.
Relaxing into the body, resting into our minds, our simple presence becomes an act of profound generosity, to ourselves and to our precious world.
$10 Booking Fee, plus Dana - an offering from the heart according to your means.
Bookings essential as space is limited.
Bookings and enquiries - chanigrieve@gmail.com / 0204 1537 356
Relaxing into the body, resting into our minds, our simple presence becomes an act of profound generosity, to ourselves and to our precious world.
$10 Booking Fee, plus Dana - an offering from the heart according to your means.
Bookings essential as space is limited.
Bookings and enquiries - chanigrieve@gmail.com / 0204 1537 356
October 2020
Coming Down to Earth - At Home in the Body, At Home in the World with Chani Grieve
October 15th - 21st At The Wangapeka Study and Retreat Centre Our journey to freedom starts with the body. It offers a down-to-earth yet immediate way to connect with ourselves and align with what is real. A light in the dark, our bodies show us exactly where we are, and also the next step we need to take along our path. They are also the most direct line of communication to the wisdom and life of the earth – expressions of a living planet. By listening to our human body we learn to attune to the rhythms and intelligence of the earth body and all life. |
For more information and to register …. Coming Down to Earth - At Home in the Body, At Home in the World
Developing the Meditation on Peace
Peace Meditation with Bonni Ross Sunday October 11th, 10.00am at the Earth Hub, Nelson. As we enter the second year of this exploration, we will deepen our engagement with this transformative practice and move gently into how we can focus this peaceful, serene quality to support and heal our world. Please join us as we continue to explore the breadth and depth of the Peace Meditation. All are welcome! |
What If?
Spiritual Transformation in a Time of Fear and Magical Thinking Please Note: One more class! Saturday October 10th At this potent, uncertain time, could we please not “return to normal?” Normal is the problem. Starting August 8th, at The Earth Hub, Nelson Eight (8) weeks of exploring with Bonni Ross Saturdays, August 8th – September 26th, & October 10th 10.00am – 12.30pm |
What if we were gentle with ourselves about what we don’t know? Could we suspend disbelief and discover the vast potential and healing power of a human mind? Could we be kind enough to question our fantasies based on hope and fear?
Buddhadharma is exploration and development of the latent potential of all of us, a journey of expanding love and clarity. Please join us for an overview — a respectful peek inside a proven, practical and powerful way forward.
$10 per session/$70 for 8 weeks, plus Dana/Koha for Bonni.
Morning tea included. For enquiries and to register please contact Chani Grieve: dharmasphere108@gmail.com
Dates: August 8, 15, 22, 29, September 5, 12, 19 and 26, & October 10th, 10.00am – 12.30pm at the Earth Hub, Nelson
Buddhadharma is exploration and development of the latent potential of all of us, a journey of expanding love and clarity. Please join us for an overview — a respectful peek inside a proven, practical and powerful way forward.
$10 per session/$70 for 8 weeks, plus Dana/Koha for Bonni.
Morning tea included. For enquiries and to register please contact Chani Grieve: dharmasphere108@gmail.com
Dates: August 8, 15, 22, 29, September 5, 12, 19 and 26, & October 10th, 10.00am – 12.30pm at the Earth Hub, Nelson
Download the flyer for these classes: ...
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September 2020
Developing the Meditation on Peace
Peace Meditation with Bonni Ross Sunday September 13th, 10.00am at the Earth Hub, Nelson. As we enter the second year of this exploration, we will deepen our engagement with this transformative practice and move gently into how we can focus this peaceful, serene quality to support and heal our world. Please join us as we continue to explore the breadth and depth of the Peace Meditation. All are welcome! |
Is it possible to harness the intelligence of our emotions so we can connect, relate and live more fully? Emotions can create both difficulty and beauty in our communication – leading to ill feeling and confusion; harmony and mutual understanding. Is it possible to meet all of our emotions, with kindness and interest so as to reveal the wisdom aspect of the emotion to guide us – to bring forward healing and an openness in our communication in new and wholesome ways.
For more information and to register …. Transforming our Emotions
For more information and to register …. Transforming our Emotions
What Am I Voting On? An Invitation to participate in Community Referendum Sharing Circles
The referendum issues in the upcoming election present complex ethical challenges for us all.
YOU ARE INVITED TO TAKE PART IN A COMMUNITY SHARING CIRCLE at
Mapua Community Hall on Sunday 6th September at 10.00am
Listening in a supportive environment with a clear well anchored process gives space to consider the two referendum questions before we vote.
Sharing Circles are meditations on listening. They give us a chance to observe our responses and be open to what may arise. Community Sharing enables collective wisdom to surface. These are not discussions, debates or opportunities to advocate particular positions or opinions. Quite the opposite.
There is no intended outcome other than being present as fully as we are able.
INTERESTED?
To register please email dharmasphere108@gmail.com indicating your preference (1 or 2)
Circle 1 Cannabis Legalisation and Control
OR
Circle 2 End of Life Choice
Send $5 to dharmasphere bank account
38-9022-0006359-00
to confirm your place by September 1st
If you are able to offer a lift or are in need of one please indicate and we can facilitate car pooling.
We look forward to engaging in these topics with you!
The referendum issues in the upcoming election present complex ethical challenges for us all.
YOU ARE INVITED TO TAKE PART IN A COMMUNITY SHARING CIRCLE at
Mapua Community Hall on Sunday 6th September at 10.00am
Listening in a supportive environment with a clear well anchored process gives space to consider the two referendum questions before we vote.
Sharing Circles are meditations on listening. They give us a chance to observe our responses and be open to what may arise. Community Sharing enables collective wisdom to surface. These are not discussions, debates or opportunities to advocate particular positions or opinions. Quite the opposite.
There is no intended outcome other than being present as fully as we are able.
INTERESTED?
To register please email dharmasphere108@gmail.com indicating your preference (1 or 2)
Circle 1 Cannabis Legalisation and Control
OR
Circle 2 End of Life Choice
Send $5 to dharmasphere bank account
38-9022-0006359-00
to confirm your place by September 1st
If you are able to offer a lift or are in need of one please indicate and we can facilitate car pooling.
We look forward to engaging in these topics with you!
August 2020
Want to learn to meditate? Perhaps you have tried and need some more skills and extra encouragement?
Or possibly, you already meditate and wish to develop your practice and drop into a full weekend of meditation. If so, then this weekend retreat will support you in exploring this.
The weekend will be predominantly silent and offers you the opportunity to learn, strengthen and enliven your individual practice of breathing meditation.
For more information and to register …. Don't Just Do Something
Or possibly, you already meditate and wish to develop your practice and drop into a full weekend of meditation. If so, then this weekend retreat will support you in exploring this.
The weekend will be predominantly silent and offers you the opportunity to learn, strengthen and enliven your individual practice of breathing meditation.
For more information and to register …. Don't Just Do Something
Through the practice of meditation, mindfulness and group exploration we will endeavour to become clearer, confident, open and fearless. Come and be nurtured and supported by the beautiful Wangapeka environment as we create a community of courageous conversations.
This retreat is suitable for health professionals, lay people, those new and those experienced in meditation.
For more information and to register …. Every Precious Moment
This retreat is suitable for health professionals, lay people, those new and those experienced in meditation.
For more information and to register …. Every Precious Moment
Developing the Meditation on Peace
Peace Meditation with Bonni Ross Sunday August 9th, 10.00am at the Earth Hub, Nelson. As we enter the second year of this exploration, we will deepen our engagement with this transformative practice and move gently into how we can focus this peaceful, serene quality to support and heal our world. Please join us as we continue to explore the breadth and depth of the Peace Meditation. All are welcome! |
July 2020
Chenrezig Meditation Retreat with Mark Schrader
July 31st - August 4th At The Wangapeka Study and Retreat Centre This is an experiential meditation course that focuses on developing compassion for both oneself and for others. Both beginners and those wishing to deepen their practice are welcome to attend. As a way of supporting participants to deeply benefit from the retreat there are periods of silence built into the course. There is an option of attending just the weekend rather than the full 4 days. For more information and to register …. Chenrezig Meditation Retreat |
The Life As it Is: A Family Friendly Community Retreat
July 17th - 19th At The Wangapeka Study and Retreat Centre Come and join us for a warm community weekend of mindful practice and exploration where we will explore together how we grow a sense of support, connectedness, curiosity and kindness no matter what is happening in our lives- at work, at school or at home. This weekend provides space for family practice, adult practice as well as children-focused sessions. For more information and to register …. Life as It Is |
Developing the Meditation on Peace
Peace Meditation with Bonni Ross Sunday July 12th, 10.00am at the Earth Hub, Nelson. As we enter the second year of this exploration, we will deepen our engagement with this transformative practice and move gently into how we can focus this peaceful, serene quality to support and heal our world. Please join us as we continue to explore the breadth and depth of the Peace Meditation. All are welcome! |
A Taste of Nyungne with Bonni Ross, A Ritual Fasting 1,000 Armed Chenreizig Retreat
July 3rd – 5th At The Wangapeka Study and Retreat Centre This adaptation of a traditional Mahayana practice is a demanding practice of purification that powerfully challenges many of our habitual behaviours. The practice itself includes physical prostrations, visualization and mantra. Participants must be in good physical and mental health, and have considerable meditation experience. For more information and to register …. A Taste of Nyungne |
June 2020
The Heart Sutra is one of the most profound and influential teachings of the Mahayana Path. In its many variations it lays out the essence of the path to full awakening. So profound is the environment that is envisaged that it is often referred to as “ the Mother of the Buddhas”.
This weekend is accessible to all practitioners. It also acts as a seal on the four week study course on the Heart Sutra offered in Nelson in June.
For more information and to register …. The Heart Sutra - A Weekend with Matthew Eades
This weekend is accessible to all practitioners. It also acts as a seal on the four week study course on the Heart Sutra offered in Nelson in June.
For more information and to register …. The Heart Sutra - A Weekend with Matthew Eades
We all have the same innate, boundless loving capacity. Kindness is a beautiful gift we can cultivate to nurture and give to ourselves and others.
We are all living with so much uncertainty today. Many of us are asking questions like “What is most important and valuable in my life and for the world?”
Together we will explore Loving Kindness through meditation, group sharing, creative activities, and simply by being in the constant beauty, nurture and kindness of the whenua—the natural environment of the Wangapeka Study and Retreat Centre.
This retreat is suitable for beginners and people with meditation experience.
For more information and to register …... Simple Goodness - Loving Kindness with Kath Mitchell
We are all living with so much uncertainty today. Many of us are asking questions like “What is most important and valuable in my life and for the world?”
Together we will explore Loving Kindness through meditation, group sharing, creative activities, and simply by being in the constant beauty, nurture and kindness of the whenua—the natural environment of the Wangapeka Study and Retreat Centre.
This retreat is suitable for beginners and people with meditation experience.
For more information and to register …... Simple Goodness - Loving Kindness with Kath Mitchell
Developing the Meditation on Peace
Peace Meditation with Bonni Ross The 2nd Sunday of every month starting June 14th, 10.00am at the Earth Hub, Nelson. As we enter the second year of this exploration, we will deepen our engagement with this transformative practice and move gently into how we can focus this peaceful, serene quality to support and heal our world. Please join us as we continue to explore the breadth and depth of the Peace Meditation. All are welcome! |
"An Integrated Human Being"
Classes with Chani Grieve
Wellness Movement, Wednesdays in June, 4pm - 5:15pm
Classes with Chani Grieve
Wellness Movement, Wednesdays in June, 4pm - 5:15pm
These classes will explore some of the facets of our human experience, through gentle, playful movement. We'll shine a light on our moving, sensing, thinking and feeling, knowing that increasing awareness of any "part" of ourselves improves the functioning and happiness of the whole! Celebrating our strengths, learning more about our challenges, we expand the range of possibilities to live more free and potent lives.
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Registration essential as space is limited. For more information about upcoming classes, workshops, or one-on-one sessions please contact Chani: chanigrieve@gmail.com / 0204 1537 356
Cost $15 per session / $50 for 4 weeks.
If our Levels change during this time to render in-person classes impossible, we will move back online.
Cost $15 per session / $50 for 4 weeks.
If our Levels change during this time to render in-person classes impossible, we will move back online.
Studies, Contemplations and Ponderings on the Heart Sutra
With Matthew Eades and Mark Schrader Matthew and Mark are scheduled to teach a series of classes in Nelson, unpacking one of the seminal texts of the Mahayana Path of Buddhadharma. Mondays in June - 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 7:15pm at the Nelson Buddhist Centre |
We anticipate that restrictions will allow us to gather together for these wonderful teachings, but registration is advised to keep tabs on numbers.
For information please email Matthew mattheweades2@icloud.com There will also be a weekend of teachings at The Wangapeka Study and Retreat Centre, 26th - 28th June: The Heart Sutra - A Weekend with Matthew Eades |
Download the flyer for these classes:
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May 2020
Breath is a moving constant throughout our lives, a living expression of the fact of change. These sessions will explore gentle movements to illuminate and expand our capacity for full, nourishing breath. This in turn improves functioning on all levels of our being, and will enhance any activity or practice we are engaged in.
Register in advance for this meeting:
us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYvf--hrjoqGdeN9AiF3-Dqj1xde-2Zl5kD
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Register in advance for this meeting:
us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYvf--hrjoqGdeN9AiF3-Dqj1xde-2Zl5kD
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
March 2020
Clear Vision for Troubling Times
Continues on March 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th, & April 4th, 10:00 am to 12:30 pm, at The Earth Hub, Haven Road, Nelson
Continues on March 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th, & April 4th, 10:00 am to 12:30 pm, at The Earth Hub, Haven Road, Nelson
Peace in the Park
Anzac Park Nelson, Sunday 1st March, 10am to 12pm, all welcome
Anzac Park Nelson, Sunday 1st March, 10am to 12pm, all welcome
February 2020
Peace in the Park
Anzac Park Nelson, Sunday 2nd February, 10am to 12pm, all welcome
Anzac Park Nelson, Sunday 2nd February, 10am to 12pm, all welcome
Clear Vision for Troubling Times
"You cannot solve a problem from the same consciousness that created it. You must learn to see the world anew” - Albert Einstein
A 6-week exploration of timeless wisdom through the lens of here and now with Bonni Ross, Saturdays, from February 29 to April 4th 2020
10:00 am to 12:30 pm, The Earth Hub, Haven Road, Nelson.
10:00 am to 12:30 pm, The Earth Hub, Haven Road, Nelson.
How can we engage compassionately with the struggles of our world, when our own hearts and minds are contracted in pain and anger, uncertainty and depression? Buddhadharma’s clear mapping of reality and skillful methods of exploration have crossed many cultural boundaries and adapted to new circumstances without losing their essence and power. The ideas and practices arise ever-fresh, practical and clear. For anyone willing to listen, question, learn and practice, life becomes calmer and clearer, steadier as the winds of change blow. The potential is only limited by one’s own willingness to put the teachings to the test of direct experience, in dialogue with others who have walked this path. This leads to a confidence that allows opening to wider horizons, with a refreshed, reliable kindness and clarity.
$10 per session/$50 for 6 weeks, plus Dana (offering) for Bonni
Morning tea included
For enquiries and to register please contact Chani Grieve - dharmasphere108@gmail.com
$10 per session/$50 for 6 weeks, plus Dana (offering) for Bonni
Morning tea included
For enquiries and to register please contact Chani Grieve - dharmasphere108@gmail.com
January 2020
Peace in the Park
Anzac Park Nelson, Sunday 5th January, 10am to 12pm, all welcome
Anzac Park Nelson, Sunday 5th January, 10am to 12pm, all welcome
To see what we are doing next ... go to Events