Buddha Facewith teachers from Gaia House

Saturday 2nd October  -   Rob Burbea

Saturday 20th November  -   A nun from Chithurst Monastery TBC

To download a PDF document with further information about these teachers, please click here.

The retreats are held in silence and mainly consist of alternate periods of sitting meditation and mindfulness of walking. There will be meditation instruction and talks on Buddhist thought (dharma talks) from the teacher. During the sitting periods Insight (Vipassana) meditation, based on mindfulness, and possibly also Loving Kindness (Metta) meditation will be practiced.

Note for beginners: You do not need to know the meditation techniques before attending any of these retreats. However, if you would like to learn about them beforehand, you may find the Beginner’s PDF helpful.

The first two retreats will be held at Oddfellows Hall, 20 West Park, Clifton, Bristol BS8 2LT. Click here for a link to this location on the Multimap website. If you would like information about getting to the hall on public transport, please click here to download a PDF containing further details.

The second two retreats will be held at St Michaels on the Mount Parish Hall, St Michaels Hill, Bristol BS2 8BE. Click here for a link to this location on the Multimap website.

COST
The cost comes in two parts:

1. ENTRY FEE: to cover running costs
£8 (£5 unwaged) if payment is received in advance.
OR
£10 (£7 unwaged) if payment is received on the day.
Cheques preferred to cash.
If you would like a free place you can volunteer to help set up and clear up on the day - please contact Caroline to arrange this in advance.

2. THE TEACHER'S PAYMENT
In keeping with Buddhist tradition the teachers make no charge for their teaching and their only payment for the day will be donations (Dana) from the retreatants. The tradition of Dana in Buddhism is an acknowledgement of our interconnectedness and interdependence. It enables teachers to continue teaching and supports the very life and sustainability of the teaching. The teaching is offered, as it has been over the last centuries, freely, and the teachers give enormously of their time, energy and understanding.  Your generosity to the teachers is greatly appreciated; it is truly what enables the continuation of the teachings. The teachers rely either largely or entirely on Dana for their livelihoods. A box will be put out for this Dana on the day.

  • Please arrive after 9.15am and be settled in the hall by 9.45am. The retreat ends at 5pm.
  • Bring vegetarian lunch to share. Hot drinks are provided. If you have specific dietary needs, then please bring a lunch for yourself.
  • Bring your own meditation stool or cushion and also bring a mat if you wish to, as the floor is bare. You will be asked to remove outdoor shoes in the meditation hall. Chairs are available.
  • Bring cash or a cheque for Dana with you please.
  • Wheelchair access is available.

To book, please download the Booking Form for Bristol Day Retreats, print it out and return with payment to BIMG, 19 Camerton Rd, Bristol BS5 6HN.

Cancellations: Payment is non-refundable but can be transferred to another retreat provided a minimum of 3 days notice is given. To transfer your fee, contact Caroline.

Please note that in order to give everyone an equal chance of getting a place, nobody’s name will be put on the list for a retreat in advance of their payment being received.

Contacts: For further information contact Caroline by email.