The Promise of a Sacred World | A Retreat with Nagapriya

On this retreat we will bring alive the significance of ‘Other Power’ as embodied in the myth of the cosmic Buddha Amitabha and the Pure Land scriptures. While the Japanese teacher Shinran (1173-1263) may seem to belong to a distant past, he offers thrilling insights into the possibility of a non-theistic, religious life that speaks to our most urgent existential longings today. Engaging with his teachings will enable us to honor the sacred context of our own lives and ultimately to remake ourselves in the light of what is of ultimate concern.

It is recommended that you read Nagapriya's book The Promise of a Sacred World before the retreat and bring a copy with you.

Nagapriya was born in the UK in 1969. While studying for a philosophy degree in Leeds, he began practicing with the Triratna Buddhist Community and was ordained as a Dharmachari in 1992. He later studied a master’s in the history of religions at the University of Manchester. In 2013 he moved to Mexico and helped to found el Centro Budista de Cuernavaca. He is also co-founder and Director of Editorial Dharmamegha, a small publishing venture dedicated to sharing Buddhist teachings in the Spanish speaking world. In addition, he works as part of a team training men from Latin America for ordination into the Triratna Buddhist Order and since 2019 he has been a member of the College of Public Preceptors.

Some of Nagapriya’s other books are: Exploring Karma and Rebirth (Windhorse, 2004), Seeing Like a Buddha: the Four Noble Truths (Triratna Inhouse Publications, 2020), The Promise of a Sacred World: Shinran’s Teaching of Other Power (Windhorse Publications, 2022).

Image detail of Shinran (artist unknown)
Image detail of Welcoming Descent of Amida Buddha and Twenty-five Bodhisattvas (artist unknown)

A Culture of Generosity and Support
In the tradition of passing on the Dharma freely, our Dharma retreat and workshop facilitators offer their work without charge and are not paid. We recognize the value in what they do and want to thank them for their time, energy and wisdom. A financial gift can help support our facilitators to afford them the opportunity to lead. Please consider making a donation towards their support. There is often a cash collection and a thank you card that is passed on the retreat, though one can also make a donation directly to facilitators with a check, and some use money transfer services such as PayPal or Venmo. Thank you for your generosity.
 

How are we coming together safely?

• Please take a Covid-19 rapid test on the day of the event (Aryaloka does not provide this test). A negative rapid test is required for entry; please take a photo of your test results and present at the door. 
• If you know you have been exposed to Covid-19 within a five day period of the event’s start-time, we ask that you not attend in-person.*  Stay up-to-date with exposure guidelines here.
• Masks are optional unless otherwise stated. Masks are required indoors for anyone testing negative of Covid-19 within days 6-10 of post-covid exposure without infection.
• If you have recently recovered from Covid-19, stay up-to-date with CDC guidance here as to when you’re clear to be back in public.*
• If you have cold or flu symptoms, we ask that you do not attend in-person.*
• We have installed new air purifiers with virus-destroying technology!
• There are new cleaning and sanitation protocols.

*Zoom options are available for many events. Transfer of fees or refunds are also available for illness or illness-preventative related absence. 
Please email info@aryaloka.org if you have any questions about our safety protocols. Aryaloka may adjust these policies in relation to current, local infection rates, and will keep retreatants posted on such changes.

At Aryaloka, we strive to make our programs available to everyone regardless of their financial circumstances. Our fee structure allows you to pay according to your means. 

The Event Rate is our actual fee for the event. It is for people paying their rent or mortgage, and who can afford occasional or regular leisure expenses such as dining out. Any payment above the advertised fee is a tax-deductible donation. 

The Mid-Level Reduced Rate is for those who are paying their mortgage or rent, though experience a consistent tightness in budget that makes extras like leisure activities or unexpected expenses difficult or impossible. 

The Base-Level Reduced Rate is for those without an income or with an income low enough that making ends meet is a challenge. 

Those whose circumstances are not included above can email the office to make other arrangements. info@aryaloka.org