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THE Winter Retreat
Freedom from... Freedom to...
Led by Karunagita and Ratnaprabha
Fri 11 – Sun 13 December · Vajrasana
A weekend in the winter countryside
Freedom from... Freedom to...
Whether you’re new to Buddhism or have years of experience, this retreat is for you. Mid-December is a fruitful time to step away, before Christmas and the New Year, whatever those hold for us.
Freedom is the promise of the Buddhist path, but what does that actually mean? Over the weekend we’ll explore it through meditation, talks, simple ritual and discussion, with time for rest and winter walks too.
Communal living is also central to the retreat; we’ll share meals and rooms, and meet in small discussion groups. Together we can create the best possible conditions for truly encountering what meditation and Buddhism have to show us.
Three Kinds of Freedom
Three angles to explore over the weekend
life on retreat
A quiet weekend with good company
The weekend follows a gentle rhythm of meditation, talks and free time for rest or walking in the winter countryside, with periods of silence that give the mind space to settle.
In small discussion groups, you’ll share your experience with fellow retreatants. It’s often a surprise how much the communal aspect supports your own practice.
What You Need to Know
Everything practical
Getting there
Travel by Coach (from the NLBC)
For all retreats we provide an optional return coach from the London Buddhist Centre in Bethnal Green, which you can add for £45 when you book.
Travel by Car
Vajrasana has car parking facilities which can be used for the duration of a retreat. Please note that we do not have electric vehicle charging stations on site.
Address: Vajrasana Retreat Centre, Walsham le Willows, Bury Saint Edmunds IP31 3AR United Kingdom
Travel by Train
Regular trains run from London Liverpool Street to Stowmarket station. If you are travelling from outside of London, it may be more convenient to get a train into Thetford or Bury St Edmunds. You will then need to get a taxi from the station to Vajrasana. (Please note that although Elmswell is the nearest station, it has no bus link to Vajrasana and taxis will have to come from one of the bigger towns)
Taxi options
We recommend booking taxis with plenty of advance notice as there is often limited availability.
Address: Vajrasana Retreat Centre, Walsham le Willows, Bury Saint Edmunds IP31 3AR United Kingdom
StowmarketKelly's Cabs: 01449 676 767
Stowmarket Taxis: 01449 677 777
Approximate cost: £30
Elmswell
Elmswell is the nearest station, about 4.5 miles from Vajrasana, but it is not easy to get a taxi from here. Call one of the above Stowmarket companies well in advance and don’t get off the train here unless you have a taxi pre-booked.
Thetford
A2B Taxis: 01842 755 222
Approximate cost: £40
Bury St Edmunds
A1 Cars: 01284 766 777
Fri 11 – Sun 13 DeC
Ready to join us
this winter?
£230 full / £175 concession · Contact us if cost is a concern