Buddhist refuge Retreat
During this retreat we will spend time developing the beautiful mind of refuge, our actual protection from pain and problems. Through practising refuge, we gradually build stable peace, joy and freedom within our own heart, giving us the confidence and strength to make authentic spiritual progress that we can then share with others.
We attain permanent freedom from suffering by sincerely relying upon the Three Jewels: Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. Dharma is like medicine that prevents the sufferings of samsara, Buddha is the doctor who gives us this medicine, and the Sangha are the nurses who assist us. Understanding this, we go for refuge to Buddha, Dharma and Sangha.
The retreat venue
The environment of Bodhisattva KMC is very relaxing and there is plenty of time between retreat sessions to enjoy our café, to meet and chat with other retreatants and the community of Bodhisattva KMC, and to enjoy walking and gentle strolls along the Brighton and Hove sea front and promenade. The peaceful surroundings of Bodhisattva KMC help people to create a comfortable space within their own minds.
About the teacher
Our Resident Teacher, Gen Kelsang Thekchen, is a senior meditation teacher in the New Kadampa Tradition.
He comes from Canada, and was recently the Resident Teacher of Kadampa Meditation Center Vancouver, one of the many worldwide Kadampa Buddhist Meditation Centres. Previously he was Resident Teacher at Madhyamaka KMC near York and KMC Canada, in Toronto.
Gen Thekchen has been practising and teaching Buddhist meditation for over 20 years under the guidance of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. He is well known for his ability to present Buddha’s teachings in a simple, practical and often humorous way, making them easy to put into practice in everyday life.
The retreat schedule
The retreat will begin on Sunday 25 March, following on from our taught day course Shelter from the Storm, and conclude at the end of Wednesday 28 March. There will be four sessions of retreat each day and, to preserve the peaceful experience of the retreat, silence will be observed during the mornings.
Friday, 23 March
7pm Movie Night! Join us for a screening of “Life of Buddha”. A perfect introduction to the Refuge day course and retreat.
Saturday 24 March
We are offering this as a day course, from 10 am until 4 pm (for more information, and to book this day course, please see ‘Shelter from the Storm’):
Session 1: 10 am – 11 .15 am
Session 2: 12 noon – 1 pm
(Lunch will be served at 1.15 pm to those who have booked it)
Session 3: 2.30 pm – 4 pm
Session 4: 7 pm – 8.30 pm Chanted Prayers (Wishfulfilling Jewel with Tsog)
Sunday 25 March
Session 1: 8 am – 9.30 am (guided by Gen Thekchen)
Session 2: 10.30 am – 12 pm (guided by Kelsang Chenma)
Daily prayers (Wishfulfilling Jewel): 12.30 – 1.10 pm
Session 3: 4 – 5.30 pm (guided by Gen Thekchen)
Session 4: 7 pm – 8.45 pm Chanted Prayers: Offering to the Spiritual Guide
Monday 26 March – Wednesday 28 March
Session 1: 8 am – 9.30 am (guided by Gen Thekchen)
Session 2: 10.30 am – 12pm
Daily prayers (Wishfulfilling Jewel): 12.30 noon – 1.10 pm
Session 3: 4 – 5.30 pm
Session 4: 7 pm – 8.30 pm
Please contact the centre for more information.
Booking and fees
The retreat sessions are free.
To book the retreat only (and optional lunch), please click on the blue ‘book online’ button below.
To discuss your accommodation and meal requirements, please contact us directly, either by emailing us at events@meditateinbrighton.com or by phoning us on (01273) 732917.