Explore Buddhist approaches to therapy with David and Caroline Brazier

The Buddhist Psychology Summer School in France provides an opportunity to join with staff and students from the Amida Psychotherapy Training Programme for five days of workshops, lectures and experiential sessions in the French countryside. This event will provide an excellent introduction for those interested in the topic who have no prior experience, as well as offering regular students a chance to gain course credits in a different setting to that of our regular course blocks in the UK. It will give space for the exploration of the application of Buddhist psychology in therapeutic contexts, both in general terms, and in terms of developing specific other-centred skills. For existing students it will provide consolidation of learning gained from other courses, as well as providing time to relax together and get to know each other in new ways : pleasant atmosphere of the Amida centre. The structure of the day will be negotiable with the group but will probably consist of morning and evening formal learning sessions, with afternoons free for walking, swimming or conversation. There will be opportunities to join Buddhist practice at the centre, and participants may want to extend their stay to join one of our other programmes. Recommended pre-reading for participants: David Brazier's Zen Therapy and Caroline Brazier's Buddhist Psychology. Note that this event will include personal sharing as well as theoretical discussion. This event carries half credit for registered students.

The Amida centre in France is set in rural Berry, the ancient seat of the Dukes de Berry, nestling between two tributaries of the Loire; the rivers Allier and Cher. A region of rolling countryside, small fields, copses and scattered honey coloured farm buildings, this area is well off the tourist maps, and still carries the relaxed feel of earlier times. With several larger oak forests within easy range, supporting walking, horse riding and other outdoor activity, and swimming places at several local lakes it is a perfect environment for gentle holidaying in a Buddhist community. For those with an interest in history, there are many fascinating 11th and 12th century romanesque churches, medieval villages and chateaux of various eras as well as the Cathedral cities of Bourges, Moulins and Nevers and the historic centre of the Bourbon kings at Sauvigny, all within a short distance of the centre. You are welcome to come early as there is no scheduled event before the psychology week, and you may like to extend your stay with us to take in time to enjoy the surroundings, visiting these historic and religious sites, and relaxing in the forrests and beside the lakes. For many though, visiting Amida France is a time to unwind in tranquil countryside, to listen to the prolific bird life and enjoy the flowers and trees. You may well be happy not to step off the premises for your entire stay.

The Amida centre itself was formerly a small farm. Set in thirty acres (16 hectare) of land there is plenty of space for camping. There is also basic accommodation in the house and outbuildings. Solitary retreats are possible in the retreat hut, or "bivvying" in more distant fields. A place of peace, mindfulness, celebration and practice, the lifestyle reflects the natural world with which we are surrounded. We live simply and close to the earth and the seasons. Mostly, we eat out of doors, weather permitting. Sometimes we sleep under the stars. Nature is all around us. Our approach to Buddhism is Pureland and we enjoy the creativity of nembutsu practice as well as the silence of meditation. We welcome anyone wishing to enjoy and participate in the lifestyle, whether or not they identify themselves as Buddhist.

More pictures of France can be viewed if you click here. Watch the RETREAT IN THE WOODS video to get a glimpse of our beautiful woodlands. Individual retreats are possible through much of the year and offer a wonderful opportunity to get back into a harmonious relationship with nature.

Getting yourself to France; useful services from UK:
Cheapest ferries we have found to France are currently:
www.speedferries.com
Cheapest motels for overnight stops en route:
www.hotelformule1.com
Motel offering en suite rooms:
Premiere Classe Hotels