This event has ended. See More Events →
Saṅgha Retreat at Vajrasana

Saṅgha Retreat at Vajrasana

Friday 10 December 2021 – Sunday 12 December 2021 at Vajrasana Retreat Centre in Suffolk

We are very excited to be opening bookings for this Sangha retreat at Vajrasana Retreat Centre, a beautiful purpose built Triratna Retreat Centre just outside Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk.

Prior to the Covid pandemic we held two weekend retreats a year for those who attend Colchester Buddhist Centre. We have not been able to do this since February 2020 so we are very much looking forward to welcoming the Sangha onto this retreat!  

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.

The material will be suitable to anybody who has been to a few of our classes, you will need some familiarity with the meditations we teach.

If you wish to know more about retreats and what to expect, ask a team member at one of our classes or send us an email.

Planned Programme for the retreat

Time Activity
FRIDAY
From 5.00pm Tour of retreat Centre for those new to Vajrasana
5.30pm - 6.00pm Introduction for those attending their first retreat
6.30pm Supper
8.00pm Welcome and introductions
8.45pm Dedication Ceremony
SATURDAY
7.00am - 8.30am Meditation
8.45am Breakfast
10.30am - 11.15am Talk
11.15am - 11.45am Tea Break
11.45am - 12.30am Discussion Groups
12.30pm - 1.00pm Communication exercises
1.00pm - 2.30pm Lunch
2.30pm - 3.00pm Optional Chi Kung Session
3.00pm - 4.00pm Gong Bath
4.00pm - 4.30pm Tea break
4.30pm - 5.30pm Meditation
6.00pm Supper
8.00pm Meditation and Puja
SUNDAY
7.00am - 8.30pm Meditation
8.45pm Breakfast
10.30am - 11.15am Talk
11.15am - 11.45am Tea Break
11.45am - 12.45pm Discussion Groups
12.45pm - 1.30pm Lunch
1.30pm - 2.30pm Clean-up
2.30pm - 3.00pm Closing Ritual and Depart
More questions? Get in touch

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.

If you've been coming to our zoom classes but not been able to get on a retreat yet, this will be perfect for you and you'll be made very welcome.

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 food and accommodation.

When does the retreat start and end?

The website will be updated with specifics closer to the retreat, for now there is a typical programme above.

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. As will meditation gear.

Will I be able to get a lift to the retreat centre?

Please let us know if you need a lift or if you are able to offer a space to anyone else. We will do our best to accommodate everyone.

I can't afford the retreat but I'd love to come. Can I apply for a place using the bursary fund?

Yes. Contact us and we will help you if we can.

What about the Covid restrictions?

We are hopeful that the retreat can run at full capacity without any restrictions. We will, of course, adhere to whatever government guidance is in place at the time the retreat runs.

Can I get my money back if the retreat is cancelled due to Covid?

Yes

I have a question that isn't covered here?

Please contact us on contact@colchesterbuddhistcentre.com

The Team

Akashahrdaya
Akashahrdaya
Amalaketu
Amalaketu
Atulyamati
Atulyamati
Kamaladaya
Kamaladaya
Karunanātha
Karunanātha
Sīlanātha
Sīlanātha
Sthiranāga
Sthiranāga

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.