WELCOMING YOUR GROUP
If you have a group that is looking for a place to go on retreat, we may be able to help. Tarastone is an unusual, warm and beautiful retreat centre.
As you step into the double height hall, you will see the gorgeous view of the Swallowcliffe Downs. This uplifting space includes a staircase and landing that have been used to great effect for performance, celebration and ceremony.
The main sacred space is the Meditation Room or Gompa, which takes up to 30 in a formal meditation “sitting” arrangement. A more comfortable number would be half that. The library adjoins, and there are several other, comfortable breakout spaces with sofas and chairs. We also have plenty of tables and chairs for meetings or writing.
Our emphasis is on buddhist Practice, kindness, the arts, excellent food and fun where possible. We cater to many different diets.
If you would like to discuss your retreat idea, please get in touch. In order to be able to prepare a quote for you, we would need to know numbers of attendees, how many hours per day, how many meals per day, the prevailing diet, how many nights, how many staff members we would need to provide etc.
SCHOOLS
Children love visiting here! If you would like to bring a group of students to Tarastone, we would be delighted to host you. There are comfy cushions on the floor of the main room, and a very relaxed feel with lots of unusual objects to look at and learn about.
Our well-stocked library has books from many traditions. Children seem to take to meditation easily and its proper teaching can become an invaluable tool for life. We are keen to foster an understanding that includes Mindfulness and also offers glimpses of an even great potential.
At Tarastone, we have started some interesting initiatives e.g.
- Peace Garden – A productive organic fruit and veg garden with spots to sit and think or admire the view.
- PeaceMeal is the Tarastone initiative for peace. On the basis that we all have more in common than keeping us apart, we invite people from diverse backgrounds to sit down and eat (for free) together and discover each other’s lives.
- The Tarastone Peace Lecture – with special guest lecturers who each have a different angle on the human condition.There is plenty of parking, outside space to play, some friendly sheep, a funny dog, organic veg garden and productive orchard.
CO-WORKERS
We are delighted to organise breakout days for co-workers and have several packages available to suit different requirements and budgets.
You may choose a day visit, or a getaway during week days or a weekend. We offer a meditation training of excellent quality, based in a bluechip Buddhist lineage. It is considered to be impossible to learn meditation properly without the ongoing support of a properly-trained teacher. We are very proud of our our high standards. This sort of training is a quantum leap beyond Mindfulness. We do Mindfulness also, of course as it is a popular way to dip a toe into Buddhist practice!
Our teachers are full-time practitioners with decades of experience and that difference ensures our clients have a high-quality, good value experience.
Co-Worker Retreats can be a unique blend of the seriousness and fun. Tarastone has an emphasis on the arts and music, and we host pop-up suppers (Babette’s Bistro) with live music from time to time.
Play and the tradition of the Holy Fool are also part of life here and an opportunity for fun is neverrr wasted. Play is a primal human requirement that is sadly neglected in the grown-up world. To re-approach the serious business of play is a delicate art that requires sensitivity. It can feel absolutely wonderful as well as connecting and meaningful.
Tarastone fosters this agreeable mix of qualities because Buddhism seeks to reaquaint us with our true nature or Buddha Nature. Things that delight our senses serve as good reminders. Remembrance of self is in turn more likely to lead to Practice.
Please let us blend the perfect retreat for you with just the right mixture of contemplation, meaning and nonsense for your group.
We serve excellent food and are also within easy reach of some wonderful gastropubs and a number of World Heritage sites. Tarastone sits in the Cranborne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and there are many beautiful walks and cycle routes.
To discuss your Co-Worker Retreat, please get in touch now.