A Retreat At The Temple
A retreat at the Buddhapadipa Temple
You have booked to go on your first retreat at the Buddapadipa Temple. Maybe you have never done anything like this before.
What are you to expect?
If you are not familiar with the temple then you will be in awe as you walk in through the gates and see the beautiful sparkling building in front of you. The four acres of grounds surrounding the temple make for a peaceful location to spend your time here.
All your follow retreaters will gather in the afternoon and you can get to know each a little. This will be your last chance to speak to them for a week for the retreat is a silent one.
You will have been asked to wear white clothes. This is for two reasons. The first being that it is the colour of purity. The second is that people will recognize that you are on retreat and not disturb you.
The room will be allocated to you. The rooms are in the out buildings at the side of the temple. They are basic but adequate. The toilet and shower block is close by. At 18:00hrs you will go to the basement of the temple where the Abbot will lead you in taking the eight precepts, which you will keep while on retreat.
They are as follows:
- Refrain from killing living being
- Refrain from taking what is not given
- Refrain from any kind of sexual behavior
- Refrain from wrong speech
- Refrain from intoxicating drink and rugs which cause heedlessness
- Refrain from eating at the wrong time
- Refrain from dancing, singing, music, watching shows, wearing garlands, perfume and cosmetics and from things that tend to be beautiful and adorn the person
- Refrain from lying on a high or luxurious bed
So now you are an official retreater. The morning begins with chanting at 05:30hrs, followed by walking and sitting meditation. After this you will go to the house for breakfast. You will eat in silence and be mindful of all your actions. Food is plentiful and you won’t go hungry. At 20:00hrs there is further meditation until 21:00hrs. You can continue with your private meditation in the temple or walk in the grounds (always mindful).
At 11:30hrs you will go to the house for lunch. Enjoy your lunch for this is your last meal of the day. If this sounds worrying to you then honestly, you will soon get used to it. After lunch, you may want to rest for a while.
Hello
I would like to come for a retreat with you. Please can you tell me
which dates I am able to come and how I can apply
Thank you
Yes, we will have the retreat in September, right now we hold meditation classes on Tue and Thur 7-8.30pm and Sat and Sun at 4-5.30pm. You are welcome to practise with us.
All the best
Hello, I would like to have some more information regarding this summer retreat.teh dates and how to apply.
Thank you
Summer retreat: 18th-24th Sept. Please contact, Andy Brown ;