Meditation Retreat
Refuge Retreat
Fri 2nd – Sunday 4th May
Retreat schedule:
Friday 2nd May:
Introduction teaching – 7.15pm
Sat 3rd May & Sun 4th May:
- Session 1 – 9.15am-10.45am
- Session 2 – 11.30am-1pm
- Session 3 – 3.30pm-5pm
- Session 4 – 5.45pm-7.15pm
Retreat ends on Sunday after Session 3
Cost – free for all Standard and Benefactor Members
£25.00 for the full retreat Sat – Sun & introduction
£15.00 for individual day
£7.00 for introduction only
Everyday we are seeking protection from problems and difficulties, for example when we are sick we seek protection from doctors, when we are in danger, we seek protection from the police and when we are lonely, we seek refuge in friends and family. These objects at best can only give us some temporary freedom from suffering, they can never give us permanent freedom. What we really need and are looking for is permanent liberation from all suffering and problems, and as human beings we can achieve this only by seeking refuge in Buddha, Dharma and Sangha.
Buddhas are ‘awakened’, which means that they have awakened from the sleep of ignorance and are free from the dreams of impure life, samsara. They are completely pure beings who are permanently free from all delusions and mistaken appearance. Therefore they have the ability and power to protect all living beings. Dharma (realisations of Buddha’s teachings) is the actual protection from all suffering, the realisations of universal love, great compassion and wisdom. Sangha are the supreme spiritual friends that help and support our spiritual practice. Through relying upon these three precious jewels we can fulfil our own and others wishes and thereby find real happiness and freedom. In this retreat we will generate deep faith in the Three Jewels and train in developing Dharma realisations.
Retreat Schedule:
Fri 2nd May
Introduction teaching – 7.15pm
Sat 3rd – Sun 4th May
Session 1 – 9.15am-10.45am
Session 2 – 11.30am-1pm
Session 3 – 3.30pm-5pm
Session 4 – 5.45pm-7.15pm
Retreat ends on Sunday after 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.
About Our Classes
- 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
Benefits of Meditation
- 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.
FAQ's
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!
With our human life we can attain the supreme permanent peace of mind, known as ‘nirvana’, and enlightenment by putting Dharma into practice.
