Akashavana is a space for dharmacharinis and people who are coming on retreat to be ordained into the dharmacharini wing of the Triratna Buddhist Order (TBO). We are open to bookings from dharmacharinis from a wider diversity of gender identities and ask all those coming here on retreat to be open to a wider definition of a women-centred space. If you are unsure if Akashavana is a good fit for you, please contact the community.
ORDER RETREATS 2025
Booking now open
Calm Insight and Nature Of Mind Retreat
With Vijayamala and Moksanandi
22 September – 13 October 2025
A 3-week Order meditation retreat in the open skies and wild heartscapes of Akashavana
We will be exploring different aspects of calm and Insight meditation, supported by excerpts from texts drawn from the Mahamudra tradition of Tilopa and Milarepa.
An opportunity to go forth and journey into the magical (secret) realm of luminous space. To practice amidst the mountains and wide open vistas where vultures soar in the blue sky; where the air is perfumed with the scent of pines and wild herbs –much like the land where Milarepa sang of the yogi’s joy. In the midst of a mythic dimension deeply enriched by all the women who have been ordained and spent time on retreat at Akashavana.
This retreat will be mostly in silence, with spells of teaching and periods of no input in which we can absorb and take our practice deeper. Supported by devotion and evening ritual as well as the opportunity for meditation reviews.
cost 1050€ ( conc 895€)
A non refundable/non transferable deposit of €100 or £100 is required to book your space on the retreat.
contact: [email protected] for booking and information
Vijayamala and Moksanandi were ordained on the same retreat in 1992. They have a friendship spanning more than 40 years and have co-lead many Order retreats together.
Vijayamala has been exploring how to keep meditation alive and relevant for more than 45 years and teaches full time within Triratna since coming back from a 3 year retreat, 12 years ago. She will be drawing on experience, study and themes that have emerged from her time on long retreat and beyond.
Moksanandi, as well as having a similar engagement with meditation, was part of the search and eventual securing of the Akashavana property with Vajradevi. She has had a long term interest in Akasavana’s development having been part of the vision team for many years and has a real feel for how strong a support place can be for deepening practice. She also has a flair for engaging ritually with the space.