Days begin at 7.30 with a meditation session, followed by optional yoga self practice. The remainder of the day until dinner is free. After dinner we get together for a discussion on topics such as meditation, yoga, Buddhism, religion, what is it all about.

Open Easter Retreat with Kathrin Cooper between 31 March-10 April 2010 £50/night

The meditation style used during this retreat is Zazen, Zen-Buddhist sitting meditation. Beginners can expect a thorough introduction to meditation, with special attention to posture. The sitting meditation is divided into two halves by a short walking meditation and it is rounded off by chanting. The exact length of each meditation sitting depends on the composition of the group and will be between 20 and 35 minutes. After the meditation session, you have the opportunity to practise yoga at your own pace. If there is an interest in other types of body work such as qi gong and tai ji a session can be arranged in the afternoon. Breakfast time is flexible depending on one’s programme. Lunch is soup, bread and cheese, or packed sandwiches for those wanting to go on a hike around the peninsula. The main meal is dinner, at around 6, which is followed by a discussion of a topic we are all interested in.

The retreat period starts with dinner on Wednesday and ends with breakfast on Saturday. Travel details are the same as for our Saturday to Saturday weeks, involving the Westerbus from Inverness to the Dundonnell Hotel. You are welcome to stay for the entire 10 days or for a minimum of 4 nights. If you have your own transport you are free to arrive and leave on days of your own choice. If you depend on the Westerbus it is advisable to arrive (and leave) on a Monday, Wednesday or Saturday evening (and morning). The charge is £50 per night.

Kathrin has been involved in Zen meditation groups for over two decades, mainly of the Soto Zen tradition introduced to Europe by Taisen Deshimaru. She is a third-generation Buddhist who has travelled widely, especially in India and Nepal, where she worked with tribal people holding animist beliefs.