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.
There is one place available due to cancellation (11 July)
Six Element and Sadhana retreat
28 September to 19 October 2026
led by Maitreyi and Padmasuri
The Six Element and Sadhana retreat is a manifestation of a long-standing wish held by two of our most deeply respected and experienced dharmacharini practitioners who between them have spent many months that add up to years practicing here on the rocky mountainside of Akashavana. Both Padmasuri and Maitreyi have led the Six Element practice on ordination and Order retreats and are now offering the opportunity (for the fourth time here at Akashavana) to devote a longer period to explore the depths to which the practice can take us; with the loosening of self clinging and an opening to something far more vast and mysterious out of which the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas of our sadhana practices can emerge.
There will be an introduction to different ways of approaching the practice, including some initial study of the Dhatu-Vibhanga sutta, in which the Buddha teaches Pukkusati, to reflect on earth, water, fire, air and space, “both internal and external, as it actually is, with proper wisdom,” giving rise to ‘consciousness clear and bright’ so that we can bring clear view to our sitting practice. We’ll also be engaging with the mystery of the elements, which in the Tibetan tradition are referred to as the Maha Bhutas, ‘Great Ghosts’ or ‘Great Magical Transformations’ both in sitting practice and in the expansive environment of Akashavana. And each day turning towards the experience of the elements in our bodies and in the universe, and letting go of any sense of ownership; out of which can emerge a deep sense of release, freedom and contentment.
There will be periods of full silence on the retreat, time for personal reflection, puja and devotion, options for meditation reviews, and plenty of space for exploring and relaxing into the magical realm of Akashavana and the Mandala of the Five Buddhas.
cost: €1092 (£ rate confirmed 6 weeks prior to the retreat)
The retreat is now fully booked. If you would like to be on the waiting list please email the community on community@akashavana.org
Here’s what some Order members have said about their experience of this retreat:
Dyotana…The retreat was a great help in enabling me to have an embodied awareness of the elements, to see the ways in which I grasped after or clung to them, and how that feeds and reinforces the narrative of separate self-being. The remote location, (and) ample opportunity to practice outdoors – led to a very enriching time. There was a good balance of formal input, unstructured space, and a long period of silence within which to go deeper.
Aryajaya … The elemental nature of the mountains, forest and sky of Akashavana lends itself effortlessly to support the practice. The collective practice of creating community in silence was beautiful…
The programme was full of ritual and myth and both Padmasuri and Maitreyi both bought magic and creative ways of engaging and connecting…My sraddha has increased and I have continued to do the 6 Element practice and now consider it one of the most important practices. I highly recommend this retreat…
Lokesvari …I loved practising the six elements meditation in the raw, rugged landscape of Akasavana—a setting that both supports and deepens the practice.
I still draw on that retreat experience in my sadhana practice today. Sometimes it’s the experience of the vastness of the blue sky, the image of the seed syllables, or the deepening of my sadhana practice that was nurtured there…and I still feel the effects of that every day.
Silent practice retreat with the Akashavana community
27 October to 6 November 2026
The Akashavana community invite you to come and join us for 10 days of silent practice in the forest realm of luminous space. We offer a simple retreat structure to include periods of meditation in the shrine room and an evening ritual. You are free to explore whatever is current in your practice in and out of the shrine room – and enjoy the benefits of solitary practice in the company of other dhamacharinis; living a simple dharma life on our precious mountain retreat.
As with all our retreats, there will be a limited number of camping places. Please let us know when booking if you’d like to camp or would prefer accommodation inside.
The cost for 10 days is €511/conc €444
£ sterling rate advised 6 weeks prior to retreat
A non refundable/non transferable deposit of €100 or £100 is required to book your space on the retreat. Please email the community to check availability before transferring a deposit.
If you’d like to book or have any queries, please email the community on