Summer Saṅgha Retreat at Vajrasana
Sunday 25 June 2023 – Friday 30 June 2023 at Vajrasana Retreat Centre in Suffolk
You are invited to join us for our summer Sangha retreat in the beautiful Suffolk countryside, at Vajrasana.
We will be exploring themes around wisdom and compassion, based on the practice of
the Brahma Viharas - loving kindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity.
This will be our first five-day retreat for a long time and as such it will be an ideal
introduction for those who have not been on a longer retreat before.
If money is a problem for you coming on retreat then please send us an email, we have a bursary fund available.
Already Paid a Deposit? Pay Balance NowThis is an EXAMPLE programme for a typical day on retreat - the actual programme for the retreat will be updated closer to the event
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| 2.30pm - 4.30pm | Free time / sometimes an optional activity |
| 4.30pm - 5.30pm | Meditation |
| 6.00pm | Supper |
| 8.00pm | Meditation and Puja |
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). However please bear in mind it is highly unlikely we will guarantee a single room for you until we have received all bookings and can assess on the basis of highest need.
All rooms are downstairs and there are limited rooms 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 a refund if I change my mind about coming on retreat?
We are taking a £50 deposit for this retreat, in the event of a cancellation the deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable.
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.