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 12 May
Introduction teaching – 7.15pm

Sat 13 – Sun 14 May
Session 1 – 9.15am-10.45am
Session 2 – 11.30am-1pm
Session 3 – 3.30pm-5pm
Session 4 – 5.45pm-7.15pm

Sunday finishes with final Session 3