Short Meditation Retreats
Please contact the centre for the intended period of stay and arrangements shall be made according to the availability of the Resident Monk.
Meditation Programme for Day Retreats
Special Meditation Retreats
Special meditation retreats are conducted a few times a year. Due to limited space at the Meditation Centre please book in advance.
Application Forms — PDF Version, Doc Version
| Start Date | End Date | Event |
|---|---|---|
| 7 April 2023 | 15 April 2023 | Easter Retreat |
| 19 August 2020 | 27 August 2020 | Summer (Waso) Retreat |
| 22 December 2023 | 1st January 2024 | December Retreat |
We recommend retreatants to arrive on the start date of the retreat but we understand some will not be able to stay for the whole week, this is not a problem, please just inform us in advance.
Meditation Programme on Long Retreats
Information on Retreats
What is a retreat?
A retreat is a time reflection, prayer, or meditation. Leave behind the concerns and complexities of our modern world to focus on what’s truly important, understanding yourself. Focusing your mind on singular thoughts to be fully present in the moment.
Do you need to be a Buddhist?
We welcome all faiths on our retreats. Meditation is not just for Buddhists it’s a way to train your mind to promote good mental health. An induction will be given by the Resident Monk on meditation / retreat program on the day you arrive. Previous experience is not necessary to attend this can be an opportunity to learn or if you are an experienced practitioner, you may further develop your meditation.
What happens on a retreat?
Yogis(retreatants) will follow a set time table each day. There will be periods of meditation both walking and sitting. Retreatants are asked to maintain ‘noble silence’ each day though there will be opportunity to reflect about yourself but also discuss what you have felt and experienced during session with the Sayadaw. To create a peaceful atmosphere free from distractions and interruption we advise retreatants to follow a monastic code of conduct based on the Eight Precepts.
- Harmlessness: not intentionally taking the life of any living creature.
- Trustworthiness: not taking anything that is not given.
- Chastity : refraining from any sexual activity.
- Right Speech: avoiding false, abusive or malicious speech or Noble Silence during retreats
- Sobriety : not taking any intoxicating drinks or drugs.
- Renunciation : not eating after mid-day.
- Restraint : not wearing make-up, jewellery or immodest clothing; not playing radios, music tapes or musical instruments.
- Alertness: to refrain from overindulgence in sleep.
Accommodation
Accommodation is provided for free of charge at Saraniya. Yogis will be living communally in shared single-sex rooms. Sheets, douvets pillows are also provided for. If you wish, you are also wellcome to bring your own.
Living communally means caring for each other. Please help with simple chores around the centre when required. Our retreats are known for being friendly and harmonious; we ask retreatants to cooperate with each other and to refrain from harsh speech or anti-social behaviour.
Food
Food is provided for and served by Saraniya. The dining area is in the conservatory. The meals will not be vegetarian. If you do require a vageterian or other special diatery requirements please contact us in advance. Arrangements can be made or it is also possible to bring your own food. Breakfast starts at 6am and lunch is at 11am. Please be aware there there will be no solid food served after midday the only exception would be for medical reasons. After meals please help clear away plates and put away table and chairs when possible.
Your welfare on retreat
For welfare and safety reasons please let us know if you have any disabilities or serious health problems such as diabetes or epilepsy, or any clinical mental health problems – particularly if you are on medication. No pets are allowed on the retreat. The retreat centre is a non-smoking venue.
There is no charge for attending the retreat or for food or accommodation. But we are a non profit charity so any voluntary donations to the meditation centre are most welcome.