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What is a Retreat?
A retreat is an opportunity to experience the transforming power of meditation
much more fully than is possible during a class or a course. On a retreat you
leave behind many of the everyday concerns and complexities of modern life.
By going into the countryside, away from the noise and demands of the city,
you can begin to truly relax. At the same time our retreats aren’t just
‘holidays away from it all’. They are designed to allow you to deepen
your awareness of yourself, of other people, and the world around you. They
enable the process of clarifying what is essential in your life from what is
merely ‘the business of living’. As such retreats can be challenging
and powerful experiences. They are also usually very rewarding and enjoyable.
The Daily Programme
Most retreats have a structured and balanced daily programme of meditation,
free time, work periods, discussion groups, talks on Buddhism, and Buddhist
devotional rituals. There are also usually periods of silence –
these can significantly enhance your experience of meditation and reflection.
Whilst you are free to attend or not attend any of the activities, we
advise you to engage as fully as possible with the programme.
Living Communally
On retreat we live together as a community. The accommodation is usually
in shared single-sex rooms. Living communally is an important (and usually
very enjoyable) part of the retreat experience and we ask people to enter
into the spirit of friendliness, co-operation and harmony. For example
you will be asked to help out with simple chores like helping to prepare
the meals, washing-up etc.
Food
The food on retreat will be vegetarian – this being part of the
Buddhist commitment to non-violence. Where possible we will try to cater
for special dietary needs – provided they are for medical reasons
and we are notified in advance.
Health
For welfare and safety reasons please let us know if you have any disabilities
or serious health problems such as diabetes or epilepsy. We also need
to know if you suffer from any mental health problems- particularly if
you are on medication