It doesn’t matter if you’re brand new to meditation and Buddhism, or have lots of experience, this retreat is a chance to escape the noise and complexity of modern life, to deepen your experience of yourself and of the world around you.
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. There will also be small groups led by a team member in which you can discuss your experience of the weekend. 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.
Cost £230/£175 conc [concessions policy is here - If you are unable to afford the concession rate for this retreat please email the centre team to let them know and they’ll do their best to help.]
Some Practical Infomation
The weekend starts with dinner on the Friday at 7pm (you’re welcome to arrive from 4.30pm) and ends at 3pm on the Sunday.
During the retreat we’ll ask you to turn off you’re phones, so in case of emergencies you may inform your family and friends that they can contact Vajrasana on 01359 259 067.
Vajrasana caters for most accessibility requirements, with disabled access rooms which can be allocated upon request.
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 - you can read more information here.
Our retreats feature 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, please consider if a retreat is right for you at this time.
Location & Travel
Vajrasana Retreat Centre, Potash Farm, Walsham le Willows, Suffolk, IP31 3AR
Travel:
Coach:
You can book a return place on the coach going from the North London Buddhist Centre to Vajrasana. Please arrive at the NLBC at 4.10pm on the Friday - the coach will depart at 4.30pm sharp. The coach will leave Vajrasana again at 3pm on the [Monday], arriving back in London at about 5pm (traffic permitting).
Trains:
Regular trains run from London Liverpool Street to Stowmarket station. If you are travelling from outside of London, it may be more convenient to get a train into Thetford or Bury St Edmunds. You will then need to get a taxi from the station to Vajrasana. (Please note that although Elmswell is the nearest station, it has no bus link to Vajrasana and taxis will have to come from one of the bigger towns).
Vajrasana also has a car parking facilities if you would prefer to drive.
Taxi:
We recommend booking taxis with plenty of advance notice as there is often limited availability. On average the price is £20-£25:
Stowmarket: Stowmarket Taxis: 01449 677 777 or Gold Star Taxis: 01449 676 767.
Thetford: A2B Taxis: 01842 755 222
Bury St Edmunds: A1 Cars: 01284 766 777