Ray MenezesMeditation Retreats
To meditate is to purge the mind of its self centered activity. And if you have come this far in meditation, you will find there is silence, a total emptiness. The mind is uncontaminated by society; it is no longer subject to any influence, to the pressure of any desire. It is innocent. Therefore there is a possibility for that which is timeless, eternal, to come into being. This whole process is meditation.
6th - 15th June 2008
A residential meditation retreat in Casa della Pace, Umbria, Italy .
Meditation takes place in a charming de-consecrated church, a really ancient building, which may also be used for sitting quietly, reading, listening to or making music. Meals are strictly vegetarian, prepared with great care, using organic ingredients. A welcoming peaceful environment for those seeking to meditate and unwind in close contact with the simple beauty and silence of nature.
Casa della Pace is also an excellent place to use as a base for walking excursions, in which you can explore hills, woods, various hidden winding paths that marvellously unfold before your eyes. With an half an hour driving you can reach Pianello's river where you will be surrounded by wonderful natural scenery with pools of crystal clear water accessible for those brave enough to dive in.
Price for this retreat is £650, this is for the retreat, accommodation, and all meals. Travel is not included in the price. Places are limited to 12 people, please contact me as soon as possible if you are interested. A deposit of £200 is required to secure a place.
To book or for more information contact me, Ray Menezes, by phone or email using the information from the contact details page.
How to get there.
One can fly cheaply from most European cities with budget airlines like Ryan Air and Easyjet etc. Nearest airports are Rome, (three hours driving or train), Ancona (one and a half hours) Bologna - Forli ( two hours driving but four hours by train), Also Pisa and Florence are about three hours driving.
If you are using a car..
Florence : take highway to Arezzo, from there follow the signs for Citta di Castello. from there take the road for Pietralunga. After about 20 km you’ll find the sign S.Andrea on your left. Follow it for 4 km more, four wooden signs more and you have arrived.
From Rome: Highway to Orte, then follow the signs for Perugia and Cesena, exit at Montone - Pietralunga and follow the signs for Pietralunga. Once there immediately after a Q8 station turn left for Citta di Castello, after 2.5 km you will find on your right the sign for S.Andrea. Follow it for 4 km more, four wooden signs more and you have arrived. There is a possibility of sharing a lift in a mini bus from Rome Airport. The price of this to be negotiated.
28th to 30th March 2008
Weekend Meditation Retreat
The Dower House
This retreat will be held at The Dower House in Hexton in Hertfordshire. The Dower House is an exclusive training and private events venue set in the idyllic surroundings of the Chiltern Hills on the Hertfordshire & Bedfordshire border. This will be a gentle retreat involving sitting meditation, walking meditation and meditation walks in the grounds of the Dower House and in the surrounding countryside.
This retreat is suitable for beginners and those more experienced. My aim for this retreat is to create a safe and sacred space where we can explore the mystery that is ourselves. Meditation provides a simple, powerful, and direct pathway into that mystery. I will teach a number of different meditation techniques during this weekend moving progressively to deeper states of stillness.
Transpersonal means ‘behind the mask’ this refers to that which is behind the ego, ( the true self ). The ego is seen as a defense system designed to protect us from all forms of pain but which in fact causes even more pain. Transpersonal also refers to the spiritual side of man or the part of us that is searching for meaning. The many problems that beset us in life may appear to be problems external to us but in fact these problems are mostly to do with the way we view ourselves and the world. The world can appear to be heaven or hell depending on the way we view it.
Price £200 includes accommodation and all meals (vegetarian) There is a maximum of twenty spaces.
A deposit of £60 is required to secure a place.
To book or for more information contact me, Ray Menezes, by phone or email using the information from the contact details page.
How to get there.
BY CAR
Coming from M1 north, exit at Junction 12, and turn left onto the Flitwick road. After approx. a mile, at the black & white mini roundabout, turn right onto the country road through Harlington to Barton-le-Clay. At Barton-Le-Clay T junction (mini roundabout) turn right, and immediately left, onto the B655 towards Hitchin & Hexton. After about 1.5 miles, at Hexton crossroads, turn left, signposted to Higham Gobion (the signpost is actually the old village pump!). After approximately 200 yards, on left is the Dower House entrance (wrought iron gates open onto circular gravel drive).
Coming from M1 south, take Junction 10 (Luton Airport exit), cross over the motorway, taking the A505 towards Hitchin, then eventually pick up the A6 towards Bedford. At Barton-Le-Clay take B655 towards Hitchin and Hexton. At Hexton crossroads follow directions as above.
Coming from A1M, take Junction 8, the Hitchin exit, and continue into Hitchin on the A602. Go across the first major roundabout, and at the next roundabout take first left, the A505, signposted to Luton. Almost immediately, at the mini roundabout, leave the A505 and take the top right, the B655 towards Barton-le-Clay. After 5 miles along this winding country road, you will come down the hill to the Hexton crossroads.Turn right, signposted Higham Gobion (the signpost is the old village pump!), and approximately 200 yards along, on the left, is the Dower House entrance.
BY TRAIN
From London Kings Cross - Regular service from Kings Cross to Hitchin, Herts. Taxi Service from Hitchin Station to The Dower House Hexton. Cost approx £10
From London Kings Cross Thameslink - Regular service from Kings Cross Thameslink to Harlington. Ring for Taxi at Harlington. Cost approx £8.
Click here to see a map
One Day Meditation Intensives
Both forms of meditation will be practiced for no longer than twenty - minutes at a time. Between each period of sitting meditation there will be a ten - minute period of walking meditation. Although both these forms of meditation have their origins in Buddhism they do not require any particular belief. In order to discover what is true it is important to suspend any pre-conceived ideas about anything. Meditation is most effective when we can immerse ourselves in it over a day, a weekend or ideally a week. It is not necessary to sit in uncomfortable postures . Most people prefer to sit on chairs or on meditation stools. It is recommended that you wear loose comfortable clothing.
Price £80
Deposit £30 (non refundable)
To book or for more information contact me, Ray Menezes, by phone or email using the information from the contact details page.