Wisdom - What the World Really Needs: Weekend Urban Retreat

Retreat details at a glance:

• Timings: Friday evening, 14th March - Sunday afternoon, 16th March
• Led by Gambhiralila and Mokshadarshini
• In person at the Croydon Buddhist Centre
• Booking required, suggested donation £150 (waged) / £110 (unwaged)
• Open to all, regardless of experience

Our world desperately needs wisdom. Humans have more knowledge and information at their fingertips than ever before, yet not as much wisdom. It can feel like the world around us is chaotic and out of control.

Thankfully, 2,500 years ago, the Buddha offered practical teachings and tools to help us transform both ourselves and the world around us. If you've ever wondered how to contribute meaningfully to this world or find grounding amidst the turbulence, this retreat is for you.

On this weekend retreat we will be exploring ancient wisdom that is still relevant today. In Buddhist terms wisdom is a warm, appreciative, and open understanding of life— the opposite of narrow, intense subjectivity. It is a way of seeing life and situations that keeps us creative, flexible, responsive, and realistic. Meanwhile, it helps us recognise what is truly important. Developing wisdom may be the only way to address our modern challenges without creating further division and devastation.

But where does this wisdom come from? Buddhism teaches that anyone can develop wisdom who is willing to put in the effort. We can all aspire to become a sage—a wise person—by cultivating three levels of wisdom: listening, reflecting, and meditating. By moving toward deeper levels of wisdom, we can confront our fears, internal and external. We can let go of limiting assumptions about ourselves and others, and discover ways to transform both self and world.

Over the weekend, we will explore these aspects of wisdom using the Dhammapada, a Buddhist text containing verses from the Buddha. Together, we will hear the Buddha's words, discuss and reflect on their meaning and relevance to our lives, and meditate on them to deepen our understanding.

Why go on an urban retreat?

This urban retreat will give you the chance to leave the busyness of the world behind for a weekend and connect with something more meaningful. You can turn towards the mind and even glance into its vastness and true potential. This is a wonderful opportunity to explore Buddhist teachings, enjoy the company of like-minded people, resource yourself to face the world and get a fresh perspective on your life.

The retreat takes place at the Croydon Buddhist Centre and is suitable for everyone interested in Buddhism. It’s a great introduction to Buddhism and meditation, or an excellent opportunity to deepen your existing practice. If you haven't been on retreat before, or residential retreats are not available to you, this is a great opportunity to experience retreat conditions.


Who is this retreat for?

This retreat is open to anyone interested in meditation and Buddhism, regardless of prior experience. It is suitable for you whether you have an established practice or not, as our teachers will ensure the teachings and exercises are accessible to all. If you have any questions, please contact our team on info@buddhistcentrecroydon.org.

Retreat structure

On an urban retreat we spend the weekend 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.

Friday: Evening meal and opening session - 6.30pm to 9pm
Saturday: Full day on retreat at the Centre - 10am to 9pm
Sunday: Final session, clear up and closing the retreat - 10am to 3pm

What does this 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 £150 (waged) / £110 (unwaged) for this retreat, but we welcome you however much you can afford to give.