Online Saṅgha Retreat: 'Building a Virtual Community'
Friday 14 May 2021 – Sunday 16 May 2021
During the past year we have all worked to bring about a radical change in the way we meet and interact as a spiritual community.
On this retreat we will be looking at what has worked for us, and what hasn't, at how spiritual friendship has supported and inspired us through unprecedented times. We will reflect on our individual and group experiences with input from all sections of our community. Through meditation, talks and discussion groups we will endeavour to deepen our individual practice; and build a stronger community to take into the next phase in our growth as a sangha, moving into a post-pandemic environment.
Whilst very different from a face to face retreat, the online saṅgha retreats do create a sense of practising within a sangha.
Suitable for all levels of experience, including those who have never been on retreat before.
If you wish to know more about retreats and what to expect, ask an Order Member at one of our classes or get in contact via our email address.
We'd love for you to join us.
If you are in financial difficulty and would like to apply for a bursary funded place, please contact us.
How To Join
Details of the Zoom Login for the retreat will be made available nearer the time
Use a PC or Mac
For most modern web browsers, you do not need to download anything. For a better experience you can, before the start time, download the Zoom Desktop Client for Windows, Mac, or Linux. You do not need to create an account or sign in.
A few minutes before we're due to start, open the app if you have downloaded it, or go to join.zoom.us, and enter the meeting ID you've been given to join.
Use a Mobile or Tablet
Before the start time, download the Zoom Mobile App using one of the links below. You do not need to create an account or sign in.
A few minutes before we're due to start, open the app and enter the meeting ID you've been given to join.
Programme
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| FRIDAY | |
| 18:00 | Introduction for those new to Triratna retreats (Srikirti) |
| 19:00 | Welcome, Introduction and tune-in (Silanatha) |
| 19:50 | Break and leg stretch |
| 20:00 | Short Meditation and Dedication Ceremony (Silanatha) |
| 21:00 | Close |
| SATURDAY | |
| 06:50 | Arrive in your Zoom Shrine Room |
| 07:00 | Saluting the Shrine & Tiratna Vandana (Prasadavajri) |
| 07:10 | Meditation (Prasadavajri) |
| 07:50 | Break and leg stretch |
| 08:00 | Meditation (Prasadavajri) |
| 08:30 | Break for Breakfast and Non-Screen Time |
| 09:50 | Arrive in your Zoom Room |
| 10:00 | Talk by Silanatha (with short talks from David Playfoot and Shelagh O’Dell) |
| 10:50 | Tea Break |
| 11:00 | Discussion Groups in breakout rooms |
| 11:45 | Plenary Session – Hear back from groups (Srikirti) |
| 12:15 | Comfort Break |
| 12:25 | Meditation (Srikirti) |
| 13:00 | Break for lunch and Non-Screen Time |
| 15:15 | Optional Activity: Yoga with Sophie |
| 16:30 | Meditation (Silanatha) |
| 17:15 | Break for Supper and Non-Screen Time |
| 19:30 | Meditation (Srikirti) |
| 20:00 | Puja (Silanatha) |
| 21:00 | Close |
| SUNDAY | |
| 06:50 | Arrive in your Zoom Shrine Room |
| 07:00 | Saluting the Shrine & Tiratna Vandana (Silanatha) |
| 07:10 | Meditation (Silanatha) |
| 07:50 | Break and leg stretch |
| 08:00 | Meditation (Silanatha) |
| 08:30 | Break for Breakfast and Non-Screen Time |
| 09:50 | Arrive in your Zoom Room |
| 10.00 | Talk by Srikirti (with short talks from Emma and Angel) |
| 10:50 | Tea Break |
| 11.00 | Groups |
| 11:30 | Plenary Session – Hear back from groups (Srikirti) |
| 12:15 | Comfort Break |
| 12:30 | Meditation (Srikirti) |
| 13:00 | Break for lunch Optional shared lunch (virtual) open room. |
| 14:00 | Closing the retreat - tune out (Silanatha) |
| 14:30 | Closing ritual and end of retreat (Silanatha) |
Optional Afternoon Events: *Meditation reviews - To be booked individually *Personal lunch booths - to share a virtual lunch *Virtual walks or garden chats *Yoga with Sophie (see Saturday programme)
Frequently Asked Questions
I've only been to a few classes, is a retreat suitable for me?
If you know the stages to the two meditations taught at the centre, the retreat will be suitable for you.
Do I need to be a Buddhist?
The retreat is suitable for everyone, regardless of your religious beliefs, and makes an excellent first retreat for people who have recently started being involved with meditation and Buddhism.
Can I apply for a place using the bursary fund?
Yes. Contact us and we will help you if we can.
Do I have to come to everything in the programme?
No you don't have to attend all of the programme if you are not able to, however you will get the most from the retreat if you are able to fully commit to it.
How do I book if I want to use credit from a previous cancelled retreat?
Please email us via contact@colchesterbuddhistcentre.com and we can book you on the retreat.
I have booked and haven't received the joining details?
You should receive a confirmation email from us at the time of booking which contains the joining details. However some email accounts block this email. Please get in contact if you do not receive the confirmation email.
The Team
