Dr Robert M Ellis
Robert M Ellis is the author of around 20 books on Middle Way Philosophy, including Migglism, The Buddha’s Middle Way, The Christian Middle Way and the Middle Way Philosophy series (which is currently being rewritten for publication with Equinox). He is also the founder and chair of the Middle Way Society. Robert has been leading retreats for the society since 2013, and is also an experienced teacher in universities and further education. He has a Ph.D. in Philosophy and a Cambridge BA in Oriental Studies and Religious Studies, as well as more than 30 years of practical experience as a meditator. His work for the last 20 years has focused on developing a rigorous, multi-disciplinary understanding of the practical Middle Way as a universal principle, that can be applied in all our judgements and in the context of any tradition. As a teacher, he has taught and examined Critical Thinking as a distinct subject, and is committed to developing it as an aspect of integrative practice for all. He is also a pianist, poet and lifelong lover of the arts. For more about Robert’s books, please see his personal website robertmellis.net.
Viryanaya Ellis
Viryanaya Ellis taught and ran A level courses in Philosophy, Religious Studies, Critical Thinking, English and World Development for young people and adults for over 20 years. She is an ordained member of the Triratna Buddhist Order and has been co-running a Buddhist centre, teaching meditation and leading retreats for over 10 years within that tradition, including camping retreats with Buddhafield.
She is particularly interested in leading workshops and retreats which weave together different aspects of practice including intellectual, emotional, physical and creative elements, as well as enjoyment of the natural world. For example, retreats on developing ethical awareness through linking discussion, mindfulness, meditation, gentle bodywork and mandala-making.
She leads regular workshops on critical thinking as a spiritual practice, where participants learn techniques to improve their thinking skills and so enhance their capacity for self-awareness, understanding and empathy.
She is a keen cook and gardener, and is starting to learn how to create a Forest Garden and to speak Welsh.