Saṅgha Retreat at Vajrasana
Friday 28 October 2022 – Sunday 30 October 2022 at Vajrasana Retreat Centre in Suffolk
"Sailing the Worldly Winds"
A weekend retreat exploring the eight ‘Worldly Winds’ of Pleasure and Pain, Gain and Loss, Praise and Blame, and Fame and Disrepute.
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.
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.
This is an example retreat programme - the actual programme for the retreat will be updated closer to the event
| 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 - 12.45pm | Discussion Groups |
| 1.00pm - 2.30pm | Lunch |
| 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 - 12.35pm | Discussion Groups |
| 12.45pm - 1.30pm | Lunch |
| 1.30pm - 2.30pm | Clean-up |
| 2.30pm - 3.00pm | Closing Ritual and Depart |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I need to have been coming to the Buddhist centre?
If you know the stages to the two meditations taught at the centre, the retreat will be suitable for you.
If you have not been on a retreat before, this will be suitable 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?
An example programme can be found 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?
Contact us and we will help you if we can.
Can I get my money back if the retreat is cancelled due to Covid?
Yes
Will you be testing for covid during the retreat?
We will be asking everyone booked on the retreat to test before coming
Can I get a refund if I change my mind about coming on retreat?
A non refundable, non transferable cancellation fee of £10 is chargeable for all cancellations.
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.