Meditation Retreat

Refuge Retreat

Side on shot of two people, one male, one female engaged in Buddhist meditation together

Retreat schedule – Sat 11th + Sun 12th
9.15am-10.45am Session 1
11.30am-1pm Session 2
3.30pm-5pm Session 3

Cost is £25 for full retreat, or £15 for an individual day.
Included in Standard and Benefactor Memberships.

The situation in our world becomes increasingly uncertain and dangerous. Also in our personal daily life we have constant irritations, unhappiness and worries. We mainly try to solve these problems by external methods, such as changing the situation or people, but very often we do not find real solutions, freedom, or peace.

What we really need is a dependable source of refuge and protection. This comes from inside our own mind. If our mind is peaceful all the time we will be happy all the time, and there is no basis to experience problems. In this refuge retreat we will understand and cultivate peaceful, positive minds of Dharma (realisations of Buddha’s teachings) including faith in Buddha, who bestows inner peace, and Sangha the spiritual friends who help us along the inner path.
This retreat is suitable and open to everyone wishing to understand and find genuine inner protection, and will include some short prayers in each session.

Retreat schedule
9.15am-10.45am Session 1
11.30am-1pm Session 2
3.30pm-5pm Session 3

 

Venue:
Vajrapani Kadampa Meditation Centre
Wheathouse Terrace,
Huddersfield.

Memberships
If you attend classes and courses on a regular basis, our Memberships are a convenient way of covering the cost and a great way to support the Centre.

  • Each class begins with a simple guided breathing / relaxation meditation
  • There is a talk on meditation and positive thinking based on Buddha's teachings.
  • Classes conclude with a meditation based on the subject of the teaching.
  • After the class you are welcome to stay for light refreshments, talk to the teacher, and ask questions
  • Learn to relax, unwind and experience peace of mind.
  • Deal with difficulties and problems in a more constructive way
  • Find greater meaning and purpose in life.
  • Develop good qualities and positive states of mind such as love, compassion and wisdom.
Why is there a charge for the classes?

We are a registered charity run entirely by volunteers, and not for profit. The funds we receive are used to pay for our venues, operating expenses and maintenance of the centre building. Although there is a charge for the classes we want to make them accessible to all, so If you are struggling with the cost of classes or courses, please speak to us about that, no one will ever be turned away for lack of funds.

Do I have to book online?

Please try to book online for weekend courses and other events. For weekly classes booking online is useful, but you can just turn up and pay on the door. You can also get a discount on all our weekly meditation classes by buying a Series Ticket online.

Do I have to wait for the next series of classes to begin?

No, please feel free to drop in whenever you like. Attending the entire series of classes is highly beneficial, as each class builds on the next. However, each class is taught in such a way that if you only attend one class, you will derive benefit from it.

Will I have to sit on the floor?

Although some classes do have the option to sit on the floor, there are always chairs available. However, If there is a special reason why you need to sit on the floor please let us know and we can reserve a mat for you.

What should I wear?

There are no dress requirements, please wear whatever you feel comfortable in.
We do ask that you remove your shoes when entering the meditation room.

What if I am not religious or practice a religion other than Buddhism?

Everyone is welcome to attend.  Anyone can learn basic meditation and experience the benefits. Buddhism is a non-evangelical religion. Buddhists respect all people and are happy to help anyone regardless of whether they subscribe to another faith or to none. We make Buddhas teachings available to everyone with the belief that they are practical methods to solve daily problems.

I have never meditated before, are these classes suitable for me?

Yes, classes are open to everyone regardless of experience. Instructions on how to do the meditations are provided by the teacher who will also guide you through the meditation. If you do struggle with the meditation you can always just sit there and relax for a while!

Meditation has many functions: it overcomes inner problems such as those created by anger; it controls our mind and brings inner peace.

- Ven. Geshe Kelsang Gyatso
Buddhist master Ven Geshe Kelsang Gyatso teaching dharma at a Kadamap Festival