The Vajra and the Bell:
Discovering our Innate Confidence
“The meaning of devotion is that again and again we trust that the moment is enough; not under prepared or over prepared, but available. This makes us very soft because we start to trust… There isn’t anything to do except move into the situation.”
Unlock the potential of your everyday life through the teachings of Buddhism. This retreat is designed to cultivate a deep-seated confidence in our true nature and inherent ability to awaken. We’ll emerge confident that our everyday lives are full with opportunities for deep insight and inquiry.
The Vajra symbolises reality—it's ‘the facts,’ it’s what is. When we fully open ourselves to our actual experience, without ignoring or attempting to correct it, we create a magical space where something new can unfold.
The Bell symbolises wisdom or awakening. It signifies the awakening to a reality that is ever-present, here and now. This awakening is not a distant goal but a profound shift in our perception that can occur in the simple moments of daily life.
The retreat will combine meditation and insight inquiry with discussion and creative rituals. As the week goes on we’ll move more and more into silence. These practices help us recognise the opportunities for insight that exist in every moment. By developing a fundamental confidence in ourselves and our ability to awaken, we can transform our lives and the world around us.
Vajradarshini is known for her down to earth approach to Dharma practice. She draws widely on the Buddhist tradition and on contemporary art and culture, weaving them together to create engaging and enjoyable retreats. You can expect a week of reflection and meditation, with some long periods of silence.