The retreat will be led by Murray Corke, Dharma teacher in the tradition of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh from the UK.

As all of the retreats in our tradition, this retreat will be an opportunity for us to slow down, let go, and learn how to be truly present. Together with a few dozen other practitioners, we will practise mindfulness during sitting meditation, walking meditation, mindful eating, and listening to Dharma talks.

Every day we will practise deep listening and loving speech during Dharma sharing, that is sessions in groups of approximately 10 people during which we will have the option to share our reactions to the Dharma talks and our insights and experience of the practice.

We will practise Noble Silence, which will start after the last activity of the day and finish after breakfast the following day. Maintaining Noble Silence makes it possible for us to be penetrated by peace and observe our feelings, thoughts, and intentions, which are often difficult to recognise when we are speaking.

We will invite the bell several times a day. When we hear the sound of the bell, we will stop what we are doing, listen to it mindfully, and get in touch with what is inside us at that moment.

There will also be an opportunity to learn about and take or renew the Five Mindfulness Trainings and Three Refuges during a special ceremony.

Finally, we will be able to spend some time exercising and singing. And we will have plenty of time to ourselves.
You can find out more about the practices in our tradition here.

The programme will vary slightly each day, but it will look something like this:
6.00 Wake up
6.30 Morning sitting and indoor walking meditation
7.30 Opportunity to exercise
8.00 Breakfast
9.30 Dharma talk
12.30 Outdoor walking meditation
1.00 Lunch
2.00 Lazy time
4.00 Total Relaxation and Touching the Earth
4.30 Dharma sharing
6.00 Dinner
7.00 Presentations, ceremonies, and evening sitting mediation
10.00 Rest

We will discuss all this in more detail on Monday (the first day) after dinner.