Metta is a Pali word that can be translated as Loving Kindness or friendliness and is an important practice in all Buddhist traditions. It is a beautiful practice of developing unconditional love and kindness towards ourselves and others.

“We all have the seeds of love in us. We can develop this wonderful source of energy, nurturing the unconditional love that does not expect anything in return.” Thich Nhat Hahn

During this retreat you will be invited to cultivate an attitude of Loving Kindness in the practice of singing mantras and meditation. Mindfulness and positive heart qualities, such as compassion, kindness and joy can naturally arise. In singing a mantra to Green Tara we can connect with her loving attention and devotion to people across the world, with the Medicine Buddha we can wish those in pain be free from suffering, with Avalokiteshvara we can embrace the wisdom of the heart and in singing the Peace Prayer we can radiate the wish for all beings to be happy, free and in peace. For more on mantras see www.mindfulheart.one/mantra

Singing mantras can naturally give rise to a meditative state that is centred in the heart and body. It can quiet the chatter of our busy minds and bring us more into stillness and spaciousness. We can rest in the silence that follows – sound and silent meditation flow and support each other.

Mantra and meditation practice encourages us to hold ourselves in loving-kindness rather than self-judgement, and to open and relax into ourselves in the present moment.

Sharon Salzberg writes: “Metta is the ability to embrace all parts of ourselves, as well as all parts of the world. Practising metta illuminates our inner integrity because it relieves us of the need to deny different aspects of ourselves”.

During this retreat we will begin with a short warm up for the body and voice. There will be two sessions, one in the morning and the other in the afternoon. In each we will sing mantras, followed by quiet periods of resting in our experience, each session will close with a guided meditation.

Sasha will introduce each mantra with a short explanation. Mantras will be accompanied by the harmonium.

You are welcome to attend whatever your meditation or singing experience!

Sasha shares her practice of chanting Buddhist mantras she has learnt over the past 20 years, including some that she has composed. As mantras are repetitive, they are easily learnt.

In accordance with Buddhist traditions of Dana or generosity, Dharma teachers invited by us do not charge for their retreats.

There will be an opportunity to offer Sasha donations for her guidance on the day. Any donations you are able to offer when you book will go to Bodhi Tree Brighton’s costs like room hire, website maintenance and hosting etc.