Teacher-led retreats – what to expect
The retreat days are held in silence for most of the day unless otherwise stated in the retreat description. In a typical day the teacher will offer meditation instruction with periods of sitting meditation and walking meditation for up to 40 minutes at a time. There will be a shared lunch, usually in silence, and a chance for a chat with a cup tea at the end of the day. Beginners are welcome, but some days do require attendees to have some prior meditation experience. If this is the case it will be stated in the day retreat description. Given the level of commitment required for our retreats we feel it is important that retreatants, after reading the information about a retreat, book a place on their own behalf. We do not offer retreat places as gifts from friends or colleagues.
We welcome volunteers to help on the day, if you would like to help in this way please contact the Day Retreats team by email
Retreats for 2024
Saturday 17th February, Mindfulness of Feeling Tone with Martine Batchelor. Please note this retreat is online.
Saturday 18th May, Liberating Perspectives on Death and Dying with Venerable Canda
Saturday 21st September, The Breath Re-imagined with Mark Ovland
Saturday 16th November, Spiritual Friendship with Jane Cutler
Details of all these retreats will appear on our website closer to the dates.
Booking
To book any of our teacher-led day retreats please click here
Venue
Time
Please arrive after 9.15am and be settled in the venue by 9.45am ready for the retreat to begin at 10.00. The retreat ends at 4pm.
Cost
Early Bird Booking (if you book more than one month before the event) is £20 waged and £10 unwaged (plus booking fee).
Late Booking is £25 waged and £12.50 unwaged.
Some concessions may be available. Please contact the Day Retreats team by email .
What to bring
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
Full wheelchair access and accessible toilets are available at Glenfrome School.
Financial support for the teacher (Dana)
In keeping with Buddhist tradition the teachers make no charge for their teaching. We are invited to express our gratitude for the teaching by offering donations (Dana). 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 many 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 dana box will be put out for this Dana on the day.
Contact
For further information contact the day retreats team by email: bristoldayretreats@gmail.com
Download our 2024 retreat programme and general information leaflet here.