Living simply amidst the awe inspiring landscape of the Catalan Pyrenees, we will share in a community of holistic enquiry exploring evolution. As Sangharakshita has observed, “evolution is probably the most important general concept of modern thought”. The idea of Evolution is relatively new in terms of common usage – yet perhaps it is an essential notion for practicing the dharma in the 21st century. The ‘grand evolutionary synthesis’ which many contemporary thinkers have been developing offers one of the most fascinating frameworks for understanding contemporary spirituality.
We will ask: What does evolution means to us and our practice of the Dharma? The spiritual path depends on the idea that there is a developmental possibility in humanity, but is there a general trend towards an evolution of consciousness? If consciousness is evolving in what way is it evolving? Do cultural evolution and an individual evolution go hand in hand? How can new discoveries about self-organisation and co-evolutionary processes offer helpful insights? If there is evolution in the cosmos then we are part of that. If we are part of that then what is our responsibility within that process?
The retreat will integrate study of contemporary theoretical approaches to evolution with experiential workshops, reflection, meditation and immersion in the wonders of the natural world. We will engage evolution as science, myth and metaphor, in its cosmological, ecological, personal and cultural dimensions.
We intend for this event to model a conscious participation in the evolutionary adventure – opening out the creative potential of seeing ourselves, the world, and indeed the cosmos, in an Evolutionary and Ecological context. We will explore its implications for our personal practice and look at what this might mean in the wider world and for the ecological health of the planet. Evolutionary thinking offers access to a deeper appreciation of how we are embedded in the natural world, offering perspectives which can change the way we relate to the world and each other for the better. This is a precious opportunity to enter deeply into the awe inspiring perspectives of evolution, to reconnect with our ecological interdependence, and to become more fully aware of our place in the cosmic journey.
• To provide a basic overview of contemporary thinking about evolution including: Classical and Neo-Darwinian theory, Organic and Systems Theory, Gaia Theory, spiritual and teleological approaches, Integral Theory & Post-modern critiques of evolution as meta-narrative.
• To use the above frameworks to clarify our own understanding and views about evolution – exploring them from a dharmic perspective.
• To learn to see and read the evolutionary story as it is manifest in the landscape of the Serra de Carreau, home of the ecoDharma centre. The enormous cliffs risen from ancient seabeds, fossil strewn shale, and a living natural ecology, will help us to open up directly to awe inspiring evolutionary perspectives
• To experience the empowerment that can arise when we understand ourselves within the immensity of evolutionary perspectives.
• To use experiential tools and holistic learning practices for opening up to the wonders of the evolutionary deep time perspective.
• To recognise evolution as manifest in ourselves, in both the evolution of our own consciousness and its unfoldment at inter-subjective & cultural levels.
• To bring to life the evolutionary process within our temporary community through a method of inquiry that is holistic, mutually empowering and enriching.
• To augment and continue the investigation begun by Sangharakshita of the relationship between Buddhism and evolution.
A resource and reading list will be available to participants.
The ecodharmacentre operates a dana economy. Suggested contributions for the event (waged/low-waged/unwaged): £330/£260/£190 or €460/€360/€265.