Sangha Retreat April 2025: From Craving to Joy and Liberation

TO BOOK A PLACE ON THIS RETREAT PLEASE CLICK HERE

Retreat details at a glance:

• Led by Dhivan
• In person at the Rivendell Retreat Centre, with all meals included (vegan menu)
• Booking required, £195.00 / £170.00 (conc.) - this includes a non-refundable deposit of £60. Bursaries are available upon request
• Open to all, regardless of experience, aged 18+

What is this retreat about?

The Buddha’s second ennobling truth is that craving is the origin of unsatisfactoriness. The Buddha also taught that the way to Awakening is happiness. But how can giving up craving be joyful? On this retreat we will explore the meaning of craving in the Buddha’s teaching, and the importance of finding joy in the Dharma life. There will be study, discussion and meditation, with an emphasis on practising together as a Sangha.

Who is this retreat for?

The retreat will be suitable for anyone who is part of our sangha or a friend of our sangha. Although our inspiration and practices come from Buddhist teachings, you do not need to be a Buddhist to attend or benefit from the retreat. Please contact us if you have any questions: ekbuddhists@gmail.com

What happens on a retreat?

The retreat will begin with dinner on the first evening. You are welcome to arrive any time from 5PM - exact details will be provided ahead of each retreat. It is normally not advisable to plan to arrive later than the recommended time. If you think you might need to, please contact us before booking.

On the final day we will finish during the afternoon, again full details will be given for each specific retreat.

Each retreat provides simple, but comfortable accommodation. Living communally is an important and enjoyable part of the retreat. We will be in shared single-sex rooms with 2-4 people in each, and will eat together communally. Many Buddhists eat a vegan diet as an expression of non-violence. As such, all food will be vegan.

Living communally means caring for each other. The team leading the retreat are volunteers who are on retreat as well and we will ask you to help out with simple chores. Working together is a good way of getting to know each other, and it also helps us keep the cost of the retreat to a minimum.

There is only one single room which is on the first floor that can be allocated to someone with special requirements. If you require a single room to be able to attend, please contact us before booking to ensure availability. Please note there is one shared room on the ground floor for people who may have mobility requirements.

What does this retreat cost?

The retreat cost covers the full cost of the retreat, including all food. There is a non-refundable booking fee of £60.00 per person and if you need to speak to Jyotikari about a bursary, please email: jyotikari@hotmail.com 

What do I need to bring?

Our English climate can be so variable, so bring clothes suitable for all weather: we suggest you bring layers as well as a warm jumper or jacket. You'll also need suitable shoes if you want to go for a walk.

In addition you'll need to bring any toiletries you need including a towel. It is also a good idea to bring a torch if you have one and you may also want to bring a notebook and pen.

We hope you can join us,

Best wishes,
Dhivan and the East Kent Buddhist Team

You can find out more about Rivendell Retreat Centre here.