Open Retreat

Theme: Pranjaparamita - The Great Mother Opening to the heart of Wisdom

Dates: Saturday July 30th – Saturday August 6th 2022

Friends. Bookings are now open for our Buddhafield North family friendly Open Retreat 2022.

Last year we had to deal with the persistance of COVID as a public health threat, yet nonetheless we had a lovely Open retreat. We experimented with a lighter incarnation of the Open Retreat; fewer people, less catering, fewer organised activities, more co-creation, more time, more space in the field, less overall work. The model worked better for some people than others but generally well enough for us to continue with it again this year. Here is what to expect.

We will be a community of about 80 people with a maximum 32 children and young people. This is a reduction on our pre-COVID maximum, so prompt booking is advised.

Contact us anytime if necessary, for example if you need an alternate payment method.

Adults:
Fully Booked
Contact Us to put yourself on the waiting list

Children:
Fully Booked
Contact Us to put yourself on the waiting list

Children under 5:
Fully Booked
Contact Us to put yourself on the waiting list

Use the links below to book:

Open Retreat Information

Friends. Bookings are now open for our Buddhafield North family friendly Open Retreat 2022.

Last year we had to deal with the persistance of COVID as a public health threat, yet nonetheless we had a lovely Open retreat. We experimented with a lighter incarnation of the Open Retreat; fewer people, less catering, fewer organised activities, more co-creation, more time, more space in the field, less overall work. The model worked better for some people than others but generally well enough for us to continue with it again this year. Here is what to expect.

We will be a community of about 80 people with a maximum 32 children and young people. This is a reduction on our pre-COVID maximum, so prompt booking is advised.
Every day will begin with early morning meditations, from 7am in our beautiful shrine tent.

Our talented cooks team will provide a simple breakfast of porridge after which we will gather in the morning circle to receive an outline for the day, hear some dharma, share responsibility for any tasks, sing some songs, enjoy jokes and deal with any questions or requests.

The day ahead will include activities which may be provided by any of us, us all as a retreat community of around 80 people. In the past yoga, body work, music, bushcraft, drumming, walks and so on have happened, and they may do again. On the other hand, you may wish to do nothing. A hearth will be established under our usual elegant canopy, where we can sit together, along with other communal seating spaces.

We will all provide lunch for ourselves, or in co-operation with others, in particular with those who may need some support for whatever reason. If you would like to receive that support, please let us know and we will do our best to create connections with those who can help.

There will be a washing up area with hot water for us to use. We will have a supply of hot water for drinks.

We will create kids’ activities together. In the past these have included games, night hikes, moor-top bivvies and of course the legendary Play. There will be a structure which kids can use in case of bad weather.
Later in each afternoon we will gather in small groups to check-in, chat, get to know each other better and discuss the dharma themes and talks.

Before the evening activities, a tasty meal will be served for everyone – with some options of simpler food for kids.

In the evening we will gather for dharma talks, pujas and meditation in the shrine tent.

Around 10pm the site will quieten and be silent for a good night’s sleep by 11pm.

Set up and take down will be form part of the retreat again this year. Fortunately our kitchen tent and equipment, and our shrine tent will already be in place when we arrive. We will all, as a community, help get all the structures down, packed away dry and ensure the field is clear before the end of the retreat. Tasks will be adjusted so they are appropriate for everyone.

There is an older generation of Buddhafield North people who are gently letting go of responsibility, whilst wanting very much for the Open retreat to continue in some form. There is an opportunity for you, a new generation of retreat participants and contributors, to create your kind of magical child-friendly camping retreat using the resources we have. In a field, in a tent, under the sky, under the stars, inspired by the Buddha Dharma, with your friends and family. If that possibility excites you, please consider yourself especially invited.

Contact us anytime if necessary, for example if you need an alternate payment method.