Aikido and Mindfulness
In this program we will bring together the living Warrior traditions from the lineage of Aikido practitioners with the Shambhala Warrior culture brought to the west by Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche. Join us for this unique offering.
Aikido was founded by Ueshiba Morihei, known as O-Sensei or “Great Teacher”. Ai means “harmony” or “love”, and Ki means “life force” or “energy”. An effective martial art with its roots in Japanese Samurai warrior culture, today Aikido is also a deep spiritual practice of purification, mindfulness, and inter-relationship/interdependence practiced through martial forms and movement.
The Shambhala practices of mindfulness and meditation have their background in Tibetan Buddhist and Bön teachings. These profound teachings were translated and introduced to the west by meditation master Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche. Tailored to address the critical conditions facing us in society today, these teachings are directed towards awakening our innate wisdom, clarity, confidence and power in order to be of service to others and our world.
Join us for this program in the beautiful retreat environment of Dechen Chöling in the rolling countryside of the French Limosin. We will offer a mixture of traditional Aikido “Keiko” (practice) sessions, periods of sitting meditation, as well as talks and other exercises designed to develop and refine our connections to our senses, each other and the rich world around us. We will explore the deepest meaning of spiritual warriorship from the Shambhala tradition and also experience the profound practice and view of Aikido, with time to enjoy the natural surroundings and celebrate each other’s company!
These traditions are a wonderful complement to each other. Participants will participate in Aikido practice sessions as well as the meditation sessions. This program will satisfy the requirements for Shambhala Training levels 1 & 2.
Requirements: Anyone who is interested may register. Aikido is a physically demanding practice. Healthy joints and back as well as general cardiovascular health are very important. If you are unsure about this, or have questions, please contact ( [email protected] ).
Sample daily schedule:
6.30 wake up
7.30-8.30 Breakfast
9.00-11.00 Keiko (Aikido Practice)
11.30-12.30 Meditation with instruction
12.30-13.30 Lunch
13.30-15.00 Rota and afternoon break
15.00-16.30 Keiko
16.30-17.00 Tea Break
17.00-18.30 Meditation/Talk
18.45-19.45 Dinner
19.45- Open
Practical details
Arrival day: Sunday August 24. You’re invited to come from 4 pm in order to register and settle in your room. Dinner is served at 6.30 pm. Orientation talk at 8 pm.
End of program: Saturday August 30. Closing and banquet in the evening (bring some uplifted clothing!).
Departure day: Sunday August 31. You may leave anytime (no program). You are welcome to stay for lunch.
This programme will be taught in English. If you require interpretation, please submit your request at least two months ahead of the programme.
Programme price
| Regular | 510 € | |
|---|---|---|
| Patron | 618 € | Help support lower income participants |
| Early Bird | 434 € | Expires 24 May 2025 |
| Under 30 years of age | 255 € |
If you require financial assistance to attend this programme please contact [email protected].
Price information
