Saṅgha Retreat
Friday 21 February 2020 – Sunday 23 February 2020 at Vajrasana Retreat Centre in Suffolk
Every year we hold two weekend retreats for those who attend the centre. A retreat allows us to deepen our practice, and develop friendships with others who attend the centre.
On the retreat there will be periods of meditation, talks around the theme of the retreat, discussion groups as well as pūjā, a traditional Buddhist ritual that includes chanting and making offerings.
We'd love for you to join us. Saṅgha retreats are well suited as a first retreat. The material will be suitable to anybody who has been to a few of our classes, and you will already know many of the people on the retreat.
The retreat will take place at Vajrasana, a beautiful purpose built Triratna Retreat Centre just outside Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk.
If you wish to know more about retreats and what to expect, ask an Order Member at one of our classes.
Typical Programme
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Friday | |
| 5.30pm | Tour of retreat Centre for those new to retreats |
| 6pm | Introduction for those new to retreats |
| 6.30pm | Dinner |
| 8pm | Welcome and dedication ceremony |
| Saturday | |
| 7am | Meditation |
| 9am | Breakfast |
| 10.30am | Talk and discussion groups |
| 1pm | Lunch |
| 4pm | Meditation |
| 6.00pm | Supper |
| 8pm | Pūjā |
| Sunday | |
| 7am | Meditation |
| 9am | Breakfast |
| 10.30am | Talk and discussion groups |
| 1pm | Lunch |
| 2pm | Clear up and depart |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I need to have been coming?
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.
What does the cost include?
The retreat cost covers the full cost of the retreat, including all food.
When does the retreat start and end?
The retreat will begin with dinner on the Friday evening at 6:30pm. You are welcome to arrive any time from 4pm.
We will finish on the Sunday afternoon, around 3pm.
What will the accommodation be like?
Vajrasana is a modern, recently renovated retreat centre with simple, but comfortable accommodation. Living communally is an important and enjoyable part of the retreat. We will be in shared single-sex rooms with 2-4 people in each, and will eat together communally.
Living communally means caring for each other. The team leading the retreat are volunteers who are on retreat as well and we will ask you to help out with simple chores. Working together is a good way of getting to know each other, and it also helps us keep the cost of the retreat to a minimum.
Can I have a single room?
In order to allow us to accommodate as many people as want to come, we are not normally able to provide single rooms. If you have a very special circumstance which requires a single room for you to be able to attend, please contact us before booking to discuss (contact@colchesterbuddhistcentre.com). All rooms are downstairs and there is one room with disabled access.
What will the food be like?
Many Buddhists practice veganism as an expression of non-violence. As such, all food will be vegan.
If you have any allergies that aren't listed on the booking form, please contact us before booking to ensure we can cater for you.
What do I need to bring?
You'll need to bring clothes suitable for wet weather including good footwear, indoor shoes, toiletries, and a towel. You may also want to bring a notebook and pen. Bedding will be provided.
Will I be able to get a lift?
Yes, we will contact everyone who has booked on the retreat to arrange lift shares. Please let us know if you need a space or if you are able to offer a space to anyone else.
Can I apply for a place using the bursary fund?
Yes. Contact us and we will help you if we can.
The Team
How To Get Here
The retreat is at Vajrasana Retreat Centre, Potash Farm, in Walsham le Willows, near Bury St. Edmunds.
Driving
Vajrasana's postcode for use in sat-navs is IP31 3AR.
Some sat-navs will try to take you down a footpath. If this happens, keep following Ixworth Rd and then turn left onto Reading's Lane.
There is a blue sign at Vajrasana's entrance. Drive down that road and then immediately right into the car park.
If you are able to offer a lift to others, please let us know.
Train
The closest convenient station is Stowmarket. From there you will need to get a taxi, which will cost around £20-22.
The cheapest local taxi service from Stowmarket is TKO Cars (07739 365555) who you will need to book with, or there is Stowmarket Taxis (01449 677777) which are based at Stowmarket station, so you can often just get in a taxi without booking.