What to expect at a day-long retreat
Never been to one of our retreats? We want you to feel comfortable, so if you have any questions before you come, contact us at [email protected] . During the retreat you can speak to one of the monks or one of the volunteers. Feeling anxious about coming to an event with so many people? Read our suggestions on attending a retreat if you are shy or have social anxiety.
Find out more about our next retreat here.
The Schedule
The day is made up of a variety of activities. Meditation periods are either guided or silent and last no longer than 30 minutes without a break. There is a talk in the morning and the afternoon on the teachings of the Buddha. We have breaks throughout the day so we can stretch our legs and talk with each other. We also do some chanting before and after lunch from a chanting book we provide for everyone to use.
Find out more about our next retreat here.
The Schedule
The day is made up of a variety of activities. Meditation periods are either guided or silent and last no longer than 30 minutes without a break. There is a talk in the morning and the afternoon on the teachings of the Buddha. We have breaks throughout the day so we can stretch our legs and talk with each other. We also do some chanting before and after lunch from a chanting book we provide for everyone to use.
Sitting
You are welcome to sit in any posture you find comfortable. There are lots of chairs. We provide some cushions (foam and zafus). We encourage you to bring your own if you have one. The floor is uncarpeted, so if you like to sit on the floor, please bring a blanket or mat to sit on. We also encourage you to move to a chair if you become uncomfortable on the floor.
Chanting
We chant in the ancient language of the Buddha known as Pali, followed by chanting the translation in English. If you just want to listen that's fine too.
You are welcome to sit in any posture you find comfortable. There are lots of chairs. We provide some cushions (foam and zafus). We encourage you to bring your own if you have one. The floor is uncarpeted, so if you like to sit on the floor, please bring a blanket or mat to sit on. We also encourage you to move to a chair if you become uncomfortable on the floor.
Chanting
We chant in the ancient language of the Buddha known as Pali, followed by chanting the translation in English. If you just want to listen that's fine too.
Lunch
We offer lunch to all the participants. The food is mostly vegetarian. If you have any special dietary needs, we ask that you bring food for yourself that doesn't need to be refrigerated or heated as kitchen space is extremely limited.
The Eight Precepts
As a training in renunciation, participants are able to observer eight training precepts. This is completely optional. You can learn more about the eight precepts here.
If you have any questions before you come, contact us at [email protected] . During the retreat you can speak to one of the monks or one of the volunteers.
Find out more about our next retreat here.
We offer lunch to all the participants. The food is mostly vegetarian. If you have any special dietary needs, we ask that you bring food for yourself that doesn't need to be refrigerated or heated as kitchen space is extremely limited.
The Eight Precepts
As a training in renunciation, participants are able to observer eight training precepts. This is completely optional. You can learn more about the eight precepts here.
If you have any questions before you come, contact us at [email protected] . During the retreat you can speak to one of the monks or one of the volunteers.
Find out more about our next retreat here.
