A Mythic Retreat Centre for Ireland: Shubha Vihara, The Place of Beauty

·56 min·5 clips

From the Buddha's enlightenment site in India, Chandradasa introduces a new mythic retreat centre being established in Ireland.

The episode opens with host Chandradasa recording live from Triratna land in Bodh Gaya, India, framing the conversation about a new retreat centre in Ireland as a mythic turning point. Guests Sadaa Siihi, Varabandhu, and Vajashura introduce themselves and their roles. Sadaa Siihi explains that Shubhavihara means 'the abode of beauty,' linked to Metta practice, which perfumes the environment. Varabandhu adds that it will be a place in the Irish countryside for repeated practice, deepening over time. Vajashura shares a personal story about beauty in Buddhism, citing a winter retreat where participants transformed. The discussion shifts to Irish mythology, with references to St. Bridget, the goddess Bridget, Cú Chulainn, and Finn McCool, exploring how these myths can be integrated into Buddhist practice. They mention locations like Lough Derg, named after a pre-Christian deity, and Newgrange, an ancient site aligned with the winter solstice. The guests discuss the retreat centre's practical aspects, including a three-year planning process and weekly meetings. Varabandhu recounts a fundraising campaign for the Dublin Buddhist Centre that raised 20,000 euros through phone calls, strengthening community bonds. The project's funding includes a 250,000 euro loan from Windhorse Trust and an interest-free donation from an anonymous donor named Fred. They outline plans for construction phases, aiming to host retreats by summer 2025. The episode concludes with reflections on Ireland's cultural changes, connections with Indian Buddhist communities, and the transformative potential of the Dharma.

As heard by us

A warm, grounded conversation about turning an Irish Buddhist retreat centre from shared vision into communal work.

Recorded live on Triratna land at Bodh Gaya in Bihar, Chandradasa's conversation places the first dedicated Triratna Buddhist retreat centre in Ireland alongside the place traditionally associated with the Buddha's enlightenment. That contrast gives the episode its pull.

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Why you'd press play

Press play for a mythic-place conversation where Bodh Gaya meets the dream of Ireland's first dedicated Triratna Buddhist retreat centre, with Thursday meetings, tea, and spreadsheets in the room too.

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