Hi there,

Why do we call time spent in contemplation a ‘retreat’?

If your main purpose in life is work, then it makes sense to call time away a “retreat.” 

But if your purpose in life is the investigation of life, then time spent dedicated to this purpose is an advance! 

So here is some advance warning about the upcoming Headless Way Gathering with Richard Lang: there are 10 spots left, and its coming up 14th to the 18th of May in Devon. You can find out more here.

Some photos from our previous retreats at this venue include: 

Integrating Awakening and Everyday Life

Last email I said I would share a favorite insight from last year. If I ever feel tension between spirituality and ‘life’ it's often a good idea to chat to Richard Lang about it. 

Should I focus on one or the other? 

His answer invariably is, both! In two way pointing, they both arise together. The Buddhist conception of "two truths" seems related. Ultimate and conventional reality. When my understanding deepens, there are moments of tension dissolving: conventional reality is only possible because of the ultimate - just as the headless view in is only possible because there is somewhere to point from. The view out is only possible because there is somewhere to look from. And miraculously, they are both in the same space!

Almost like they are “not two.” 

I'm going to have a longer conversation with Richard about exactly this, and other wisdom that arises from Douglas Harding's amazing book ‘The Hierarchy of Heaven and Earth’ on Thursday 30th Jan, 3pm UK time. You can join us if you like with this link here!

Other Events Coming up