Buddhafield

There’ll be updates on this year’s workshop programme from about the beginning of April on, but below you can see a selection of the workshops we enjoyed last year.

Buddhafield festival is so much more than the sum of its parts. The great Spirit of the Festival cannot simply be accounted for by all the hard work and care and attention that goes into making it happen; it seems to me that something Greater than us happens there in those (at times muddy) fields; a spirit of community, a sangha by its true name, a holding that gives each person the space to learn and grow and discover more about themselves and this miraculous world we inhabit; a Buddhafield.

Shamanic Trance Dance Dance and Shamanic Journeying workshops with Zelia Pye, Fergus Holmes and Philip West.
Large scale Shamanic Journeying this year from the very experienced team. All workshops in the Big Top.

Shamanic Journeying with Northern Drum. Creating a strong, safe bridge to the spirit world where, over a series of workshops, you will have the opportunity to meet a spirit teacher in the upper world, find a spirit animal in the lower world & experience the mystery, magic and healing of the drum journey. Worksghops for up to 25 people.

Sound Baths from the talented Sonic Incense team, Rowan Sterk, Geniene Burchett, Heidi terry, Will Softmore are back this year. The ‘Soundbaths’ offer a deeply relaxing and magical experience. The journey takes place lying down on cushions, rugs and blankets. There is a brief led meditation/relaxation to assist with the letting go of thoughts and tension bringing us into the present moment. Arising from the silence, we play a range of sacred and ethnic instruments: singing bowls, gongs, chimes, shakers, didgeridoo, drums, voice, transporting you into your individual, hypnotic, sound journeys. The journey finishes with a grounding meditation to bring you back into your body, soothed and rejuvenated, into the ever present moment. Please bring a blanket and/or mat.

Laughter Yoga with Andy Wakeman.This year Andy will bring the pure wholesome healing magic of Laughter Yoga to Buddhafield. Laughter Yoga is a combination of exercises with yogic breathing, perfect for any age, though no yoga experience is necessary. Laughter Yoga helps promote healing for the body and mind through the power of playful group laughter. Andy is a certified Laughter Yoga facilitator and has led many workshops from universities to care homes. Fun for all with the chance to come and reconnect with your inner child.

The Beauty of Mantra with Mahasukha. Two evenings of opening the heart and evoking the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas through the Beauty of Mantra. Before a radiant shrine we'll chant a mantra with beautiful, uplifting harmonies and make offerings. A meditative and devotional experience, imbued with myth, magic and mystery. Taking Soulful Singing into a ritual dimension. Big Top, Thursday and Friday evenings.

Dreamsharing and Voice Workshops and Body and Movement Workshops with Maharatnajoti. The Dreamsharing workshops are an introduction to sharing our dreams with several others as a more creative way of engaging with them rather than analysing them. The Voice, Body & Movement workshops in the evenings will focus on the non-conceptual possibilities of dreaming together in a shared environment, which may be one of the origins of Mantra.

Aquarian Sadhana with Siri Sadhana Kaur and music from Aloka Collister. Morning sadhana is an opportunity to connect with your soul. Practiced in the early hours often termed the (Ambrosial Hours) it is a time to lift your heart toward the infinite and cleanse and clear the body and psyche of limiting thoughts and habits. It brings both freedom and flexibility to your whole day. Sadhana usually begins with Japji (song of the soul) prayers, followed by a Kundalini Yoga Kriya (as taught by Yogi Bhajan). Each Sadhana ends with morning call meditation and chanting mantras for the Aquarian Age accompanied by live music. Thursday: 5am-7.30am, Workshop Space 2.

Family Constellations & Presence led by Cittavasin. Family constellations work can have a profound impact on our lives, touching the deepest parts of us. The workshop will include simple ritual alongside family constellations practice to help us explore the connection between our history, ideals and values. Places are limited so please arrive early to secure your place. Cittavasin was ordained into the Triratna Buddhist Community in 2004, training with Atula in Groupwork for a year. He has been an Occupational Therapist for over 20 years and trained in Family Constellations in 2009.

Nutrition for energy and balance with Rebecca Wilson. Taking a look at foods, dietary timings and lifestyle choices to maximise our energy levels, minimise stress on the body and leave us feeling healthy, balanced and vital. Rebecca is a nutritional therapist and yoga teacher who is passionate about optimum health, nutrition and the importance of an integral approach.