For Heroic Spirits Intended: A Weekend Exploring Vīrya with Special Guest Nagabodhi

For Heroic Spirits Intended: A Weekend Exploring Vīrya with Special Guest Nagabodhi; June 13, 6pm to June 15, 2:30pm

This will be a weekend retreat dedicated to Vīrya — energy, diligence, enthusiasm, effort, heroism and 'spiritual effort imbued with joy and wisdom' are just some of the ways this powerful word has been translated.

Viriya is one of the six paramitas, or transcendental perfections, cultivated by a bodhisattva, someone whose entire life is committed to the attainment of Enlightenment for the sake of all beings. 

Our text is chapter 6 of Shantideva's Bodhicaryavatara. In a series of verses Shantideva challenges, educates and inspires us to tackle inertia, maintain spiritual effort, and find ever deeper joy in our practice, whether on the cushion or out in the world. Shantideva’s topic and tone can be challenging, but we will be exploring this in a spirit of friendliness and adventure.

Whether or not you've studied Shantideva's teachings before, you are warmly invited to join us for a weekend of practice, reflection, and friendship.

Nagabodhi was ordained in 1974 and has given his life to a range of Triratna projects in the UK and abroad. He worked closely with Triratna’s founder  Sangharakshita, sometimes living in communities with him. In 1982 they travelled on tour in India, an adventure Nagabodhi chronicled in ‘Jai Bhim! Dispatches from a Peaceful Revolution’. Nagabodhi’s latest book is ‘Sangharakshita: The Boy, The Monk, The Man’.

Shortly after joining the Order he set up Windhorse Publications, Triratna’s publishing house, and edited Triratna’s in-house magazines for the next twenty five years. He has also been involved as a Trustee, Chair and President of several Triratna centres over the years, and was a founding Trustee and one-time Chair of the Karuna Trust, a project that raises funds for social and Dharma projects in India. As a President and Preceptor his work has been based in the UK, the Netherlands, USA, Australia and New Zealand. He was President of Aryaloka for over 30 years.

This retreat is residential and meals/housing are included in the price. Please see the note below about donations for teachers.  You can access helpful information about attending retreats at Aryaloka here.

A Culture of Generosity and Support
In the tradition of passing on the Dharma freely, our Dharma retreat and workshop facilitators offer their work without charge and are not paid. We recognize the value in what they do and want to thank them for their time, energy and wisdom. A financial gift can help support our facilitators to afford them the opportunity to lead. Please consider making a donation towards their support. There is often a cash collection and a thank you card that is passed on the retreat, though one can also make a donation directly to facilitators with a check, and some use money transfer services such as PayPal or Venmo. Thank you for your generosity.


At Aryaloka, we strive to make our programs available to everyone regardless of their financial circumstances. Our fee structure allows you to pay according to your means. 

The Event Rate is our actual fee for the event. It is for people paying their rent or mortgage, and who can afford occasional or regular leisure expenses such as dining out. Any payment above the advertised fee is a tax-deductible donation. 

The Mid-Level Reduced Rate is for those who are paying their mortgage or rent, though experience a consistent tightness in budget that makes extras like leisure activities or unexpected expenses difficult or impossible. 

The Base-Level Reduced Rate is for those without an income or with an income low enough that making ends meet is a challenge. 

Those whose circumstances are not included above can email the office to make other arrangements. info@aryaloka.org