Meditation Day Retreat: Touching the Earth

Meditation Day Retreat: Touching the Earth 

with Suddhaka and Maitrinara

Whether you're new to meditation or an experienced practitioner, this transformative Meditation Day Retreat will offer you the chance to go deeper. This time we’ll be exploring the theme of the earth-touching mudra, and all that it evokes.

In Buddhist philosophy, touching the earth is the ultimate gesture of being grounded in our bodies, resting in stillness, rooted in the natural world, and enveloped in Sangha (spiritual community). We’ll be investigating what it means to be aligned on every level; in body, speech and mind, emotionally and ethically. In the story of the Buddha’s enlightenment, he sat beneath the Bodhi tree and touched the earth to summon the Earth Goddess, who witnessed and protected him. How might it feel to have a practice which supports us through life’s challenges and nurtures us to grow?

When we truly align with an intention to make progress, the universe responds. Wherever we are in our practice we can be witnessed, the Earth Goddess doesn’t discriminate. 

Booking Essential, places limited

By Donation - suggested £25-£45

This retreat day is suitable for both those with a regular meditation practice, those who have learned the Mindfulness of Breathing and the Metta Bhavana on our regular Monday night drop-ins, as well as those newer to meditation, but not for complete newcomers.

• Saturday 18 April 2026
• 10.30am-4.30pm, with a shared lunch - please bring a vegan lunch to share
• In-person at Effra Space, SW2 1PX, venue has step-free access
• Led by Suddhaka and team

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FAQ

• Can I come if I'm new or if I'm not a Buddhist? 

Yes! All of our courses are open to all, and newcomers are very welcome. There will be people with a range of experience on this course, including people who have been practicing Buddhism or meditation for many years, as well as many people who are completely new. We find that having a wide range of experiences gives the best opportunity for exploring the themes of the course.

• Do I have to attend the whole day? 

Ideally, everyone taking part will attend the whole day in order to keep a sense of momentum and a closed space for practice. If you need to leave early please try to do so in one of the breaks so as not to disturb the meditations. 

• What if I can't afford to come? 

This day retreat is open to all, with a suggested or recommended donation. We do this so that anyone experiencing serious financial difficulties can book on without giving any donation at all if they cannot afford to do so.

Obviously our events do require money to run, so we rely on the generous donations from those that can afford to pay full cost, in order to subsidise those who cannot afford to do so. This is in accordance with the Buddhist principle of open-handed generosity. We are pleased to say that in the many years we have run events in this way, most people decide to give, and those that are unable to do so are very appreciative of the opportunity to attend our courses.