Retreats

There is a range of different retreat options at Samye Ling. You can attend week-long retreats at our Purelands Retreat Centre, which is half a mile from Samye Ling. These are guided retreats led by well-qualified, experienced teachers with a balanced daily programme of meditation and teaching sessions. They are particularly appropriate for those who wish to devote a period of time to more intensive study and practice, but who do not have the time or opportunity to participate in longer retreats. Please see our on-line course programme for details.

For practitioners who have the experience and confidence to practice outside of a structured group retreat, there is the possibility of doing a short term individual retreat from one week up to one year in length. It is recommended that prospective retreatants seek advice from our Abbot and Retreat Master, Lama Yeshe Rinpoche before starting retreat, especially if it is for a longer period of time.

Finally, there is the traditional four year retreat, which introduces you to the most profound spiritual practices within the Vajrayana tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. Normally you should have first completed a one year retreat before contemplating a four year retreat. Undertaking such a long retreat is a serious commitment which should not be taken lightly. The final decision to enter a long retreat should be made after careful consideration and must be approved by Lama Yeshe Rinpoche.