October 22-24 2010
Stumbling Along the Path
led by Katie Morrow and Elizabeth West
at Edgware Abbey, Priory Field Drive

This is the annual event for members of the Buddhist Christian Vedanta Network and anyone else that may be interested. During our time together we will explore what it means to be someone searching for Truth and asking questions that lead to the straddling of more than one Tradition. We will also explore the obstacles and difficulties and questions that arise when we take up a serious practice of meditation, the importance of being on a Path and what this means.

There will be meditation session, talks and plenty of time for sharing and exchanging experiences on the path.

The weekend will begin with supper at 6.30 pm on Friday 22nd and end with tea on Sunday 24th. People are welcome to arrive from 4.00pm on Friday. If anyone wishes they are welcome to stay over until Monday by private arrangement with the Abbey. £15 bed and breakfast.

We are very sad to say that this will be our last event at the Abbey, as the sisters can no longer continue such a big establishment and are selling off the main buildings.

COST: £130 full board. This covers the cost of the Abbey, plus extra costs involved in the organization and travel of the leaders. This does not include any fee for the speakers. Anyone wishing to make an offering to them is welcome to do so. This is the common Buddhist way of doing things, which I have decided to adopt.

Katie Morrow is a member of the Awakened Heart Sangha, she was also a close student of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche and is a member of Shambala, his organization, now led by Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche. She is a teacher for the Awakened Heart Sangha and a meditation instructor for Shambala. Katie was raised a Christian and takes a deep interest in the inter face between the two faiths.

Elizabeth West If you do not know me see Christmas retreat below.

To Book: Please send a deposit of £30, to Elizabeth West, 16 Servite House, 27 Bramley Road, London, N14 4HQ. Along with your name address and email address or phone number.

There are only 15 or 16 residential places so book soon to avoid disappointment. You can reserve a place by email: ewest@buddhist-christian.org and then send the deposit. To book Sunday night at the Abbey either call 02089587868 or email info@edgwareabbey.org.uk. Please do NOT call them about the weekend. Call me on 02084404454. Day places could be made available if needed.

December 21-27 2010
Christmas Retreat on Holy Isle off Arran
led by Elizabeth West

Instead of partaking in the over indulgence associated with this time of the year, come and join us on beautiful Holy Isle and reconnect with peace and compassion within.

We will offer basic instructions in meditation and we will set up a simple meditation schedule. People will be free to participate in as much or as little of the teachings and schedule as they choose. They will also have time to relax and enjoy the island and each other's company. The food will be a vegetarian fare - lavish and deliciously wholesome!

Retreat Schedule

Costs: For 6 nights stay - Singles £270, Twins £390 for two people (or £195 per person), Dorms £150. This includes 3 vegetarian meals per day. There is also a suggested donation of £75 for the retreat.

Important Travel Information

Boats Depart Lanlash Bay 21 December and Holy Isle on 27 December 2010

Please bear in mind that at this time of year there is the possiblity of the retreat being delayed or even cancelled due to strong winds preventing ferry travel, though for the last three years this has not been a problem. Therefore, you should consider getting travel insurance on any flights or fixed reservation train tickets.

Bookings: Tel: 01770 601100, Email: reception@holyisle.org

Elizabeth West: Elizabeth was a Catholic nun for 30 years. In 1977 she met two nuns of her order who came from India and led retreats using Yoga and Vedanta teachings in a Christian context. This awoke her interest in Indian philosophy and religions and the practice of meditation. She spent time in India visiting Hindu and Christian Ashrams. After this she worked for the Catholic Church in Westminster Interfaith, fostering dialogue between the many Faiths present in the Greater London Area. During this time she took an MA in World Religions at London University’s School of Oriental and African Studies. Elizabeth has also led Buddhist/Christian retreats with various Buddhist teachers. As a result of this she founded the Buddhist Christian Vedanta Network. On leaving her Order Elizabeth went to live at the Christian Meditation Centre in London. While there she helped organise and took part in the Good Heart Seminar where the Dalai Lama spoke on the Christian Gospels. This led to the Way of Peace series of events with Christian Meditation and the Dalai Lama. These events strengthened her interest in Tibetan Buddhism and its practical teachings, which has led her in recent years to move to North Wales and study with Lama Shenpen Hookham, a teacher of Dzogchen and Mahamudra meditation practices, which are rooted in the Kagyu and Nyingma traditions of Tibetan Buddhism. Now back in London she follows the Dzogchen teachings under the guidance of Alan Wallace. Her experience of several traditions from the inside inspires her to continue the work of dialogue at the level of practice, enabling people to deepen their understanding of the spiritual journey. She has just completed an 8 week Shamatha retreat led by Alan Wallace in Phuket.