The Perfect Wisdom of the Buddha's - Spring Sangha Retreat

Retreat details at a glance:

• Led by Vandanajyoti
• In person at the Vajrasana Retreat Centre, with all meals included (vegan menu)
• Booking required, £230.00 / £195.00 (conc.) - this includes a non-refundable deposit of £60. Bursaries are available upon request
• Optional Coach travel provided picking up in Deal and Canterbury, £60.00
• Open to all, regardless of experience, aged 18+

What is this retreat about?

“You as a human being are the product of millions upon millions of years of evolution…You don’t have to justify your existence by being useful. You yourself are the justification for your existence. You haven’t come into existence after all these millions of years of evolution just to sit down in front of a typewriter, or to keep accounts… All that you can really be said to be here for is to develop into some higher form of human life – to become a Bodhisattva, to become a Buddha. So don’t be ashamed of sitting around and doing nothing. Glory in it. Do things spontaneously, out of a state of inner satisfaction and achievement.” -Sangharakshita

In this retreat we shall be looking at one of the Perfection of Wisdom texts known as the Ratnagunasamcayagatha (The Collection of Verses on Precious Qualities) and Sangharakshita’s commentary on it in Wisdom Beyond Words.

In his commentary Sangharakshita laid out a teaching on the ‘greater mandala of aesthetic appreciation’ or, more provocatively, ‘of complete uselessness’, from which the above quote comes. This ‘greater mandala’ teaching is a fantastic antidote to many of the ways in which we become driven, pressured and anxious in modern life. It also takes us deep into the mystery of life.

Who is this retreat for?

The retreat will be suitable for anyone who is part of our sangha or a friend of our sangha. Although our inspiration and practices come from Buddhist teachings, you do not need to be a Buddhist to attend or benefit from the retreat. Please contact us if you have any questions: ekbuddhists@gmail.com

What happens on a Retreat?

The retreat will begin with dinner on the first evening. You are welcome to arrive any time from 5PM - exact details will be provided ahead of each retreat. It is normally not advisable to plan to arrive later than the recommended time. If you think you might need to, please contact us before booking.

On the final day we will finish during the afternoon, again full details will be given for each specific retreat.

Each retreat provides simple, but comfortable accommodation. Living communally is an important and enjoyable part of the retreat. We will be in shared single-sex rooms with 2-4 people in each, and will eat together communally. Many Buddhists eat a vegan diet as an expression of non-violence. As such, all food will be vegan.

Living communally means caring for each other. The team leading the retreat are volunteers who are on retreat as well and we will ask you to help out with simple chores. Working together is a good way of getting to know each other, and it also helps us keep the cost of the retreat to a minimum.

Single rooms cans be allocated to people with special requirements on a first come first serve basis. If you require a single room to be able to attend, please contact us before booking to ensure availability.

What does this retreat cost?

The retreat cost covers the full cost of the retreat, including all food. There is a non-refundable booking fee of £60.00 per person. We want retreats to be accessible to all, if the price of this retreat is too much we have a bursary fund available. If this would be of help to you, please email Jyotikari about a bursary place at: ekbuddhists@gmail.com

What do I need to bring?

Our English climate can be so variable, so bring clothes suitable for all weather: we suggest you bring layers as well as a warm jumper or jacket. You'll also need suitable shoes if you want to go for a walk.

In addition you'll need to bring any toiletries you need including a towel. It is also a good idea to bring a torch if you have one and you may also want to bring a notebook and pen.