RIGHT HERE RIGHT NOW:Dzogchen Beara, the Tibetan Buddhist retreat centre in west Cork, is hosting a New Year celebration with a difference.
Every year, the centre runs a retreat from December 30th to January 1st. Good in the Beginningwill focus on meditation practices, compassion and loving kindness, and if you're looking for a calm, quiet way to see 2010 in, this could be the thing. Set high on the cliffs above the sea, with stunning panoramic views, just being at the centre is a complete tonic. After two days of meditation, relaxing and lots of cliff-top walks, imagine how relaxed you would be. The cost is €300/concessions €225. If hedonism is more your thing for the new year, but meditation is still something that grabs you, the centre is running an introductory weekend on meditation, based on the teachings of Sogyal Rinpoche, author of The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying, on January 15th-17th. It costs €180, with lunch and evening meals included. Tel: 027-73032 or see dzogchenbeara.org. Miriam Mulcahy
