A Weekend of Blessings

BY: KRIPAMOYA DASA

Jun 19, LONDON, ENGLAND (SUN) —

Kirtan, Bhagavad gita, and Sangha
Buckland Hall, Wales, October 17-19, 2008

Dear Friend, I'm very happy to invite you for an uplifting spiritual weekend at Buckland Hall in beautiful south Wales, and even happier to think that you might be coming!

Our annual retreat has been running for several years, and its now one of the favourite weekends on the calendar for all those who find wisdom in the Bhagavad-gita and who love kirtan. If you've been before, its now a good time to book. If you've never been before, and you're wondering whether or not this is for you, then this is a good time too.

If you sometimes visit a Krishna temple, or if you are a part of a local group of Krishna devotees, or even if you've just become interested - we promise this weekend will have something for you. There are lots of opportunities for finding out more, asking all your questions, meeting up with friends or making new ones. There are times for singing the Hare Krishna mantra in kirtan, meditation times, and just quiet times. The food, companionship, comfort and scenery are all first class. Accommodation is in mainly ensuite three-star rooms, and there's spring water and hot drinks on tap. Tolkien gained inspiration from this place; so much so that he put 'Buckland' in his map of Middle Earth. And I can guarantee that if you come just a little further on your own personal spiritual quest - all the way over to Wales that is - you'll be amply rewarded for your time too.

This year, as last year, we begin the weekend early with lunch on FRIDAY at 1.00pm. We've done this in response to many friends who told us they wanted a long weekend and would take time off work to get it. So for them - and hopefully you - the weekend begins on Friday. Jayadeva das will be performing for us on Friday evening.

You can join in whatever you like at the retreat. If you need to rest or have a lie-in then do that. But if you're feeling bright and raring to go, things can start for you at around 6.00 with a yoga class. And there's kirtan and class from 7.30 up until breakfast. Right through the day there's classes and workshops to suit everyone. Outside the hall, the hills welcome you to climb them and gaze across miles of national park beauty. Nobody does everything on offer though, so you can choose something to suit you from the timetable that will be sent to you when you book.

In addition to the fixed classes / activities please chat with any of our presenters who will make themselves available for you throughout the weekend.

You'll get a good look at Buckland Hall if you visit their website: www.bucklandhall.co.uk. You can check out the location by visiting Googlemaps and typing in LD3 7JJ or by looking on your road map of the UK. Find the Brecon Beacons of south Wales and find the A40 between Abergavenny and Brecon. Just past Crickhowell - going west - is the small village of Bwlch (pronounced 'Bulk'). Buckland Hall is on the end of your finger. If you plan to use your in-car Satnav you should switch it off at Abergavenny, or you'll be guided up a mountain to spend the night with the sheep.(Seriously!)

Please plan to come early on Friday, but if you can only arrive for Friday evening, please remember that Friday traffic will add at least an extra hour to your journey time. Our reception at Buckland Hall will be open until 10.00.

The weather in this part of Wales is always: 'it might rain' so do bring a coat and strong shoes/boots if you want to advantage of the fresh air on one of the two guided walks outdoors or at any other time. Please feel comfortable and wear clothes that help you feel comfortable. There is no dress code.

You'll need some loose clothes for the yoga, and a mat or blanket is handy too, although there is soft carpet in the yoga room. Towels are provided in the rooms but you might like to bring a small additional towel.

A pen and notepad will be helpful for the classes. Bring your japa meditation beads and any devotional reading you need to make it an additionally uplifting weekend.

If you have your own devotional pictures or murtis you might like to bring them with you; the main altar in the temple is big enough for all.

Buckland Hall is full for this event, and each guest is interested in hearing what you have to say on the subject of spiritual life. We wish you many rewarding conversations!

We ask for 50% deposit for each person attending, and places can only be booked with a deposit. Please let us know soon if you're interested. The price is £130 for the weekend. You are receiving this as a priority communication before other members (either you came before - or we really want you to come!) who will be informed after the Rathayatra Festival. Additional information can be had from the organiser, Mrs. Gail Staveacre on 0771 372 4692 or on gailstaveacre@hotmail.com.

Looking forward to meeting you soon,

Yours Sincerely,

Kripamoya Das
www.deshika.wordpress.com
kmdasa@gmail.com