Diamonds and Thunderbolts: Finding Inner Treasure and Energy - New Year Urban Retreat
Diamonds and Thunderbolts: Finding Inner Treasure and Energy - New Year Urban Retreat
Need help?
Join us for a three-and-a-half day urban retreat to start the New Year with strength and energy. The retreat is suitable for complete newcomers and for those who already practice Buddhism and meditation.
Retreat details at a glance
- Timings: 6.00pm Saturday 28th December to 1.00pm Wednesday 1st January
- Led by Vajragupta
- Vegan lunch and dinner will be provided, go home for the night
- Suggested donation: £200 / £100 (concession rate)
- Open to All levels of experience, including newcomers
What is this urban retreat about?
One of the biggest dangers in life is inertia: the dead weight of habit, the same old, same old.
Don't let your life trundle on and on. Join our Urban Retreat and take time to step back and gain a fresh perspective. Times of transition can become times of opportunity. As the old year fades away and dies, and a new year starts coming into view, we'll be asking: What old habits and attitudes do we want to leave behind? What truly matters to us in life? What do we want to become?
Of course, New Year resolutions famously don't last for long! There's the power of our aspiration, but also the momentum of habit and circumstance that pulls us back into our old ways. Buddhism has a realistic understanding of the forces in our mind that shape our life and world, and how to gradually transform them. If we put these teachings into practice, it can have radical, life-changing effects.
On this urban retreat, we’ll draw on the symbolism of diamonds and thunderbolts—representing the mind’s strength to cut through unhelpful views and the energy released when we take responsibility for our lives. Through meditations, teachings, and rituals, we'll go on a journey of inner transformation.
We live in uncertain times. If you want to find courage, inspiration, and direction for the year ahead, then do join us!
Retreat structure
On an urban retreat we spend the days at the Centre and go home for the night. During the day we meditate together in the shrine room, listen to Dharma teachings, share meals and have inspiring discussions. All meals provided, you just need to turn up with an open mind.
The first evening
Saturday 28th Dec, 6.00pm to 9.00pm - We ask everyone to attend this evening session, as it is important that we lay the grounds together that will hold the rest of the retreat.
The body of the retreat
Sunday 29th Dec to Tuesday 31st Dec - each day will comprise:
- An optional morning double meditation from 7.30am to 9am.
- A day of meditation, talks and reflection from 10.30am to 4.30pm that we ask everyone to attend.
- An evening of practice from 6pm to 9.30pm, which we'd recommend you attend if you can.
New Years Eve and New Year's Day
We'll have a special ritual on New Years Eve, welcoming in 2025 in the best way possible! While you are welcome to go home after the main session, it is a significant event that we recommend you stay for. We will all head home within the first hour of the New Year.
On 1st January we'll come together for a final session 11.00am to 1.00pm to close the retreat - an important step we urge everyone to attend, even if the pull of the bed is strong.
What have others said about this retreat?
"The New Year’s Urban Retreat can seem pretty magical—a perfect blend of reflection and renewal. There’s something special about the sense of new beginnings, and this retreat gave me the chance to pause and look back on the year with a deeper sense of mindfulness.
Last year was particularly unforgettable as we gathered on Buddhist Centre’s roof to watch the fireworks, an experience that added a sense of wonder and joy to the retreat. The combination of meditation, some silence in the urban environment, and meaningful reflection left me feeling grounded and inspired, ready to embrace the new year ahead." - Lisa
Retreat cost
All our classes offering Buddhist teaching are by donation, because we believe that the Buddha's teachings should be freely given. We recommend a donation of £200 / £100 (concession rate) for this retreat, but we welcome you however much you can afford to give.
Any questions?
If you have further questions about this reteat or the Croydon Buddhist Centre, reach out to us on info@buddhistcentrecroydon.org.
Location
Croydon Buddhist Centre, CR0 1ND