A contemplative day of meditation and photographic practice
We see the sky reflected in a puddle. That sky is not a sky — and yet it arises, dependent on certain causes and conditions. Completely empty of sky, it nonetheless has an effect: we have seen a sky, in a puddle.
A mirror works the same way. Look into one and you see something completely clearly — every detail, every colour, sharp and undeniable. No amount of searching will find a solid “thing” behind the glass. And still, somehow, it has an effect.
In Buddhism, this quality of mind is called mirror-like wisdom — one of the qualities of an enlightened mind. It reflects everything with perfect clarity, showing each thing exactly as it is, without distortion or preference, and without holding on to anything it shows.
This is close to how the mind works with everything we perceive, not just mirrors and puddles. In the seen, only the seen. Form is emptiness; emptiness is form. We see clearly, we act on what we see, and yet what’s there can’t be pinned down the way we assume.
We’ll spend the day exploring this from two directions. In the morning, meditation and teaching: working directly with perception, looking at what “seeing” actually is, and what it means to say form is empty. In the afternoon, we pick up our cameras and go looking for mirrors and reflections out in the world — using the camera itself as a tool for noticing.
No photography experience needed — just a camera or phone, and a willingness to look closely at what looking actually is.
We invite people to bring their own lunch, or go out to one of the many lovely cafes nearby. So, more of a ‘do your own thing’.
Led by Vajradarshini
Vajradarshini is known for her down-to-earth yet insightful approach to Dharma practice. With her real love of people, she creates retreat environments where participants feel at ease and able to fully be themselves—conditions that allow for a natural and deep encounter with the Dharma.
She is currently writing a book on wabi-sabi in relation to the teachings of the lakshanas and vimokshas. For nearly 30 years, she has been exploring and teaching this wabi-sabi approach to Dharma, drawing not only on the Buddhist tradition but also on contemporary art and culture. Weaving these influences together, she creates retreats that are both engaging and transformative—serious in their depth yet spacious, creative, and enjoyable.
She is based in the countryside of southern Sweden and will share something of her life there during the retreat. From her home setting, she’ll bring a flavour of wabi-sabi beauty and it’s connection with nature, offering a personal backdrop to our reflections together.
