This page is in question and answer format. It is designed to help you get an idea about what to expect when you come on a retreat at Dhanakosa. You could also look at the Gallery, Testimonials, and the Your Retreat sections of the website.

Introductory Retreats
Introductory retreats are a great way to learn about meditation, Buddhism and complimentary activities in a friendly and relaxed environment. These retreats are open to all, suitable for both beginners and those with more experience.

Do I have to know how to meditate to come on an introductory retreat?
We assume no previous knowledge of meditation on introductory retreats. We will teach you two simple meditation practices from the Buddhist tradition, one of which helps us to become more calm and concentrated and the other of which helps us to develop positive emotions such as confidence, friendliness, and the ability to empathise with others. People who have previously learnt to meditate but are looking for a refresher or a boost to their practice will also find these retreats appropriate for them.

What is the Retreat Programme like on introductory retreats?
There will be a programme of meditation consisting of three or four short sessions of meditation each day for 20 - 30 minutes. In the mornings there will be an activity related to the theme of the retreat. There will be a few hours of free time in the afternoon so that you can explore the beautiful countryside around the retreat centre. In the evenings there are often talks from the retreat leaders on Buddhism and meditation, discussion groups, or activities related to the theme of the retreat. For a week long retreats there will also be periods of silence introduced.

There will be a rota for work duties like washing up, and helping the cook, usually for half an hour or so each day. On week long retreats there will also be a work period of one and a half to two hours where we ask people to help the retreat centre team with jobs such as cleaning, gardening and general maintenance.

What's the accommodation like?
Dhanakosa is an ex-hotel, is centrally heated and generally very comfortable. You will probably be sharing a room between 1 and 3 other people. We have one 6 berth room which we sometimes have to fill on large retreats. Most rooms have en-suite bath/shower rooms. Sleeping arrangements on all our retreats are on a single sex basis. There are usually between 15 and 32 people on retreat, including the team.

We are not normally able to offer single room accommodation. However, if you have a medical condition or disability please contact the office at the time of booking to discus your needs.

What's the food like?
The food is vegetarian and is both tasty and wholesome. There will be someone cooking for you but you will be asked to help with chopping vegetables and washing up.

Are there any rules?
Introductory retreats are relaxed and enjoyable and we try to keep rules to a minimum. If you are having difficulty with the program you can discus your needs with the retreat leader. We do ask people to refrain from alcohol, illicit drugs and sexual activity during the retreat. In order to get the most out of your retreat we suggest that you keep contact with friends and family to a minimum during your stay.

Meditation Retreats
These retreats are suitable for those who already practice meditation on a regular basis and have attended at least one week's retreat. These retreats will be more intense than introductory retreats and will probably involve several hours meditation a day and will be mainly held in silence.

Do I have to know how to meditate to come on a meditation retreat?
Yes. These retreats are more intensive than introductory retreats and although there will be meditation teaching some experience of meditation practice is a necessary foundation prior to coming. We recommend you have already attended at least a one week retreat and have a regular meditation practice. We do not assume however that your previous experience is with the FWBO.

What is the Retreat Programme like on a meditation retreats?
The program will vary according to the teacher but is likely to be 5 or 6 hours of meditation a day broken down into sitting periods of between 30 and 45 minutes often interspersed with walking meditation. The retreat is also likely to be mostly or wholly in silence. There will normally be talks from the retreat leader, and there may be opportunities for meditation interviews.

There will be a rota for work duties like washing up, and helping the cook, usually for half an hour or so each day. There will also be a work period of one and a half to two hours each week usually doing domestic or gardening jobs.

Who leads these retreats?
These retreat are normally led by experienced meditation teachers from the FWBO but may also be led by teachers form outside the FWBO. The teacher is named on the retreat information and where available a profile of the teacher can be found on the retreat leaders section of the links page of this web site.

FWBO Regulars Retreats
These retreats are suitable for those who already practice the mindfulness of breathing and metta bhavana meditations, and are familiar with the 7-fold puja as taught within the Friends of the Western Buddhist Order. These retreats will be more intense than introductory retreats involving more meditation and silence.