Why go on a retreat?

What are our retreats like? When and where do they take place? How long do they last? This page is dedicated to answer these questions and more, but if you are still unsure about anything, please email: ekbuddhists@gmail.com

Here is what some of our Sangha members said when asked: Why go on a retreat?

To recharge…

To fully immerse myself in the dharma and disengage with the mundane.

To get a bit of Peace and Quiet.

To have structured time to dedicate to Buddhist practice, and the chance to deepen friendships with others in the sangha.

To come home to myself.

To get a surprise. It won't be what you expect!

Whether you want to find out more about the Buddha’s teachings, or just build your spiritual friendships… a retreat is the perfect space.

To slow down and really taste the sun /rain / fresh air /porridge…

Leave technology, quiet down and with kindness and teachings, find yourself 🙏

Coming Soon:

Our upcoming retreats are listed below. Click each one to find out more.

Sangha Retreat April 2025

Friday 11 April 2025 – Sunday 13 April 2025

This will be our Spring 2025 retreat organised by East Kent Buddhist Group and will take place at Rivendell.

More information to follow soon...

Autumn Sanghas Retreat 2025: Tibetan Book Of The Dead

Friday 24 October 2025 – Friday 31 October 2025

Led by Prakasha, Vidyamala, Prajnanita and Khemabandhu

(Please note - this is being organised by Adhisthana and not East Kent Buddhist Group)

A residential (7 nights) retreat at Adhisthana for those familiar with Triratna meditation and who wish to deepen their practice.

A Quick Guide to Buddhist Retreats

Are you new to the idea of going on retreat? Or has it been a while since you last went on retreat? Would you like to show someone what retreats are like? Here are some questions answered and photos from recent retreats…

Retreats: A Quick Guide

Retreats are a chance to spend quality time with other members of the Sangha, to take time out to develop your meditation practice and to gain a deeper understanding of the Dharma.

Expect a programme of group meditations, talks and group work within a framework of communal meals and times for reflection. Click here to read more…

In addition by clicking on ‘Download the Programme’ you can read a PDF document containing more FAQS

Retreats beyond the East Kent Sangha

All year round.

There are many Triratna Buddhist Retreat Centres all around the UK with a wide programme of events. Click here to read more…

Go on a retreat within the larger Triratna community.

The World Beyond The Ones We Know: A Look Back

An East Kent Buddhist Group Urban Retreat

In September 2024 we had an Urban Retreat in Deal: this section is a look back at this retreat which was led by Danapriya and Vanaraji.

This retreat took place 14-15 September 2024 at Sholden Village Hall, Deal and the beach at Walmer.

Download the Programme

Here is what some of our Sangha members said about a recent retreat with East Kent Buddhists…

"This was my first retreat with the East Kent Buddhist group, and I am so pleased that I signed up for it. It was inspiring to practice together over the course of a weekend, and really lovely to have time and space to build relationships with this warm and friendly group of people." ................................................... "Community and creating a network of friendships is something that Sangharakshita emphasises as vital dimensions for connection. Being in 'relationship' with other human beings offers deep richness and is a training ground for generosity, compassion, patience and forgiveness. Imagine a weekend surrounded by new friends who come from all walks of life and yet share a common spiritual practice, all committed to kindness - joining the East Kent Sangha for the first time on their weekend retreat was a gift and one that I look forward to experiencing again. I was made incredibly welcome and came away with a deep sense that we are all connected and we are all one Sangha - the only separation is that which we create in our own mind."