Saṅgha Spring Retreat at Ringsfield Hall
Friday 10 March 2023 – Sunday 12 March 2023 at Ringsfield Hall Eco Activity Centre
We are very excited to be opening bookings for this Sangha Spring retreat at Ringsfield Hall, near Beccles, 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.
If cost is a problem please speak to Silanatha or Srikirti
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 Ringsfield Hall |
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 | Pack-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?
Ringsfield offers comfortable accommodation, with dormitory style bedrooms. Living communally is an important and enjoyable part of the retreat. We will be in shared single-sex rooms with 4-8 people in each, and we 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?
Unfortunately there are no single rooms available on this retreat.
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.
You will need to bring your own bed linen.
Please also bring meditation gear.
Friday evening we are asking that the Sangha bring food to share for dinner.
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.
Contact us and we will help you if we can.
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 Ringsfield Hall Eco Activity Centre
Driving
Ringsfield Hall's postcode for use in sat-navs is NR34 8JR
From Colchester (1 hour 30 mins)
Take the A12 towards Ipswich
Take the A14 towards Stowmarket. Turn right onto the A140 towards Diss. At Diss, turn right onto the A143 towards Bungay.
Before you reach Bungay, turn right onto the B1062. Follow the B1062 through Bungay and towards Beccles.
After passing through the villages of Shipmeadow and Barsham, look for the right hand turning to Ringsfield.
If you are able to offer a lift to others, please let us know.
Train
The closest convenient train station is Beccles. From there you will need to get a taxi.