Buddhism & Meditation Weekend
The Winter Retreat
Buddhahood: The True Quest
As humans, we have a drive to grow and develop. Yet so often we put our energy into quests which fall short of our truest potential. We might go after status, money and sex, only to find these superficial goals neither truly challenge nor deeply satisfy us. Instead we can choose the true quest: the quest for enlightenment, for Buddhahood.
On the Winter Retreat we will be taking our drive for self transcendence and aiming it at what will most deeply motivate it, the quest for Buddhahood. Through meditation, ritual, community, and reflection, we will explore what is most worthwhile and put that at the centre of our lives. By embarking on the true quest we will discover a sense of meaning, connection and freedom which truly satisfies.
To inspire our quest, we will learn about the Buddha’s life in evening talks. Meditation will be taught from scratch, so complete beginners are very welcome. There will be periods of silence which build up gradually over the days to help us cultivate inner stillness, with opportunities to discuss your experiences in small groups. You can join in optional yoga sessions, and enjoy your free time as you choose - perhaps in the beautiful surrounding countryside.
The retreat is for newcomers or those in their first two years of practice. If you’ve been on the Winter Retreat more than once before, we ask that you book the Winter Intensive Retreat at Vajrasana instead (or make other arrangements). We’d recommend you come for ten days for the full experience - or you’re welcome to come for the first five days over Christmas or the second five over New Years Eve.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to the Bookings Manager (bookings@lbc.org.uk) or Amalayodhin (amalayodhin@lbc.org.uk). We look forward to seeing you on the retreat!
This retreat will be at Adhisthana in the Herefordshire countryside. This site is the home of our Triratna Buddhist movement, and where the founder, Bhante Sangharakshita, spent his last days and is buried. To find out more, visit: www.sangharakshita.org
Life on Retreat
A Buddhist retreat is a chance to escape the noise and complexity of modern life and deepen your experience of yourself and of the world around you. It’s not a holiday or a spa, however most people come away refreshed and inspired.
Retreat life is simple, with a daily programme to follow. There will be periods of meditation, talks on aspects of Buddhism and simple rituals as well as free time for rest and walks in the countryside. As the retreat progresses there will be more meditation and longer periods of silence to allow for reflection. On most retreats there will also be small groups led by a team member in which you can discuss your experience of the retreat. Our retreats are known for being friendly, inspiring and enjoyable.
Accommodation & Food
Living communally is an important aspect of being on retreat and you’ll be sharing rooms and meals with others, as well as practising together in the shrine room. It’s often a surprise just how warm the atmosphere of communal life can become on retreat and how supportive it can be for individual practice.
The Winter Retreat at Adhisthana caters for up to 130 people, with most accommodation in shared single-sex bedrooms. We require couples to stay in separate rooms from one another so do let us know when you book if you’re coming with a partner.
We serve three tasty vegan meals a day. If you have dietary restrictions many of these can be accommodated if you let us know when you book. Toast, biscuits, fruit and hot drinks are available via self service at any point on retreat.
What people say
Anwar
Great location (less than 5 min walk from Baker St station), and spotless studio apartment with all the facilities you could ask for! Will gladly stay here again.
Holly
Great apartment centrally located-everything was easily accessible with the underground close by. There are many cute shops and restaurants in the area.
Tamille
The apartment is very great, excellent location, and have everything that we need. Beatrix is a very nice host, and thoughtful.
How to get there
For all retreats we provide an optional return coach from the London Buddhist Centre in Bethnal Green, which you can add for £50 when you book.
Alternatively you can read about other ways to get to Adhisthana below.
Travel by Car
Adhisthana has car parking facilities which can be used for the duration of a retreat. Please note that there are no electric vehicle charging stations on site.
Address: Adhisthana, Coddington Court, Coddington, Ledbury, Herefordshire, HR8 1JL
Travel by Train
There are frequent trains from Birmingham and Hereford to Colwall or Ledbury, both about 5 miles away from Adhisthana, and a few direct trains from London to Ledbury. You can walk from Colwall which is the closer of the two stations, it takes around an hour and can be done via the roads or over fields using public footpaths. You’re advised to go to Ledbury if you need a taxi due to almost all the taxi companies being Ledbury based.You need to book a taxi in advance by phone to meet you from either station as there isn’t a taxi rank. Ask to be taken to Coddington Court (the taxi driver may know it as Coddington Court School). The fare is approximately £12.
Taxi options
We recommend booking taxis with plenty of advance notice as there is often limited availability and no taxi rank. The fare is approximately £12.
Address: Adhisthana, Coddington Court, Coddington, Ledbury, Herefordshire, HR8 1JL
G and T Taxis –
07922 126136 or
01531 636644
Ledbury Taxi Service –
01531 633596 or
07836 777196
Ledbury Private Hire –
07976 288140T.
A Taxis –
Phone or text. 1-6 seats available.
07877915156
There are more taxis at Great Malvern but the journey will cost more.
Walk from the Station
Things to know
Practical Information
Practical Information
We will ask you to turn off all electronic devices and not contact anyone outside the retreat
We will provide a number which you can give to anybody who might need to contact you in an emergency
No alcohol or recreational drugs are allowed
We will ask that you don’t bring news media with you or work to do
Smoking and vaping is allowed only in designated places
We will provide further information when you book, including a list of the things that we suggest you bring with you
Mental Wellbeing & Accessibility
Mental Wellbeing & Accessibility
Please bear in mind that all of our retreats feature extended periods of silence and the challenge of engaging with our minds, our habits and the big questions of life and death. Although it is a very supportive environment, we cannot offer any therapeutic help, so if you’re currently experiencing mental health difficulties, grief or any other strong or upsetting states of mind, please consider if a retreat is right for you at present and whether there are other supports you need in your life. If you’re unsure, please email or call us directly before booking.
Adhisthana caters for most accessibility requirements. If you have any particular access needs for a retreat please read more information below and feel free to get in touch to discuss how we can accommodate you.
Payment & Cancellations
Payment & Cancellations
If money prevents you from booking on a retreat then we’d like to try and help. There are a number of ways we might do that including a bursary fund.
Our retreats are not refundable or transferable. If you cancel your retreat place more than a month in advance, then the amount paid minus a £100 cancellation fee will be returned to you.
About the London Buddhist Centre
The London Buddhist Centre is at the heart of a varied and vibrant community of Buddhist practitioners in East London.
We teach Buddhism and meditation in a way which is relevant to contemporary life.
We host regular classes and courses at our centre in Bethnal Green as well as retreats at Vajrasana in rural Suffolk.
See our full schedule.
FAQ
If you have any further questions about our retreats or you would like to read more information, have a look at our FAQ page or get in touch.
