Taraloka is a tranquil and picturesque women's Buddhist retreat centre nestled in the heart of the Welsh Borders countryside. Established in 1985, Taraloka has been a sanctuary for thousands of women seeking to explore and deepen their meditation and Buddhist practice. As a part of the flourishing Triratna Buddhist Community, Taraloka offers a variety of retreats for women at all stages of their spiritual journey.
A Residential Spiritual Community
At Taraloka, we are more than just a retreat centre. We are a vibrant residential spiritual community of women who have dedicated our lives to the practice, study, and teaching of the Buddha's teachings. Our commitment to creating a supportive and nurturing environment allows retreatants to immerse themselves in their practice, free from the distractions and pressures of daily life.
A Flow of Generosity
Taraloka operates on the principle of generosity, or Dana. This ancient Buddhist practice involves offering whatever one can afford, without expectation or obligation. Running on generosity is a radical and empowering approach that allows us to continue our work, helping women grow wisdom and compassion, and transform their lives. We are grateful for every act of kindness and support, as they are the foundation of Taraloka's existence.
A Retreat Centre for Women
We offer a diverse and engaging programme of retreats that cater to women of all ages and experiences. Our retreats range from weekend events for those new to meditation and Buddhism, to longer, more intensive retreats for experienced practitioners. We also host special events, such as our annual 'Turning Obstacles into the Path' gathering and 'Tara's Place, ' a dedicated space for women with additional needs.
Our retreats are led by experienced Buddhist practitioners and teachers, committed to sharing the Dharma and nurturing a compassionate and wise community of women. We encourage a practice-oriented and accessible approach to the teachings, emphasising the relevance of the Buddha's wisdom to our daily lives.
Tara's Place: A Home for All
Tara's Place is a dedicated space within Taraloka for women who need additional support during their retreat experience. This includes women with physical disabilities, chronic illnesses, mental health challenges, and those requiring extra assistance due to age or other factors. Tara's Place offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere, tailored to the unique needs of each individual, ensuring that everyone can participate fully in the retreat experience.
A Commitment to the Environment
At Taraloka, we recognise the urgent need to respond to the ecological crisis facing our planet. As a retreat centre and spiritual community, we are committed to minimising our environmental impact and promoting sustainable living. We have implemented various measures, including the use of renewable energy sources, a robust recycling programme, and the promotion of low-carbon travel options for retreatants.
Join Us at Taraloka
We invite you to explore our upcoming retreats and consider joining us at Taraloka. We look forward to welcoming you to our beautiful sanctuary and sharing the transformative power of meditation and the Buddha's teachings. Together, we can create a more compassionate and wise world, one woman, one retreat at a time.
Overview of Taraloka Retreat Centre
Taraloka Retreat Centre is a peaceful and tranquil haven for women to develop their meditation practice, explore the Dharma, and connect with like-minded individuals. The centre is set in the beautiful countryside between the Shropshire/North Wales border, offering a serene environment for spiritual growth and self-reflection.
Facilities and Accommodation
The centre provides clean and comfortable accommodation, with high-quality food served during stays. The facilities are well-maintained, and guests are expected to contribute to the upkeep of the centre by helping with cleaning, washing up, and tidying.
Community and Facilitators
The community at Taraloka is welcoming and friendly, with inspiring women leading the retreats and facilitating the learning process. The centre offers a range of retreats and activities, including meditation practice, Dharma teachings, and creative story-telling.
Guest Experiences
Guests have reported a range of positive experiences, including feeling welcome and supported, enjoying the peaceful surroundings, and appreciating the inspiring facilitators. Many have found the retreats to be life-changing, leading to personal growth and a deeper understanding of themselves.
Suggestions for Improvement
One guest suggested that the centre could rethink its cleaning policy, considering hiring local staff to help with cleaning tasks, rather than relying on guests to do so.
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