Introductory Weekend to Buddhist Meditation (January)

These very popular weekends are for those who want to learn Buddhist meditation (or need a refresher) and find out a little about Buddhism. You will enjoy the company of others in a positive, friendly space away from the usual distractions, allowing you to connect with yourself and others at a deeper level.

Each day of the retreat has a structured programme during which you will be gently guided in the practice of two traditional Buddhist meditations: the Mindfulness of Breathing, which helps develop a calm and focused mind, and the Metta Bhavana (development of loving kindness), a practice which encourages emotional positivity. When practised regularly these two meditations can have a transformative effect on our whole lives.

Rivendell is a Buddhist retreat centre. However, you don't have to consider yourself a Buddhist to benefit from these retreats. They are a chance for you to get a taste of meditation and Buddhism and to make up your own mind.

There will also be talks and discussion groups, as well as time to enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

These weekends fill up very quickly, so do book early to avoid disappointment.

Retreat numbers

We have returned our retreats to their normal capacities in 2022 and will be taking bookings on that basis. However, should we need to reduce numbers because of future changes to government Covid guidelines, those who have booked first on each retreat will retain their places, whilst others will be contacted and given the options of a full refund, to transfer your money to another retreat, or perhaps to consider offering their fee, or part of it as a donation.
 

Covid-secure requirements

In addition to the confirmation email you will receive at the time of your booking, you will also be sent joining instructions about your stay at Rivendell. We still have some Covid related requirements that we believe helps to ensure that Rivendell is a safer environment (such as asking each retreatant to take a lateral flow test and letting the office know the result before travelling to Rivendell), and we will only accept bookings on the basis that those who attend our retreats abide by the requirements of our Covid risk assessment.

We want those that come to Rivendell to be confident that we are making their stay here as safe as possible.
 

Concession information

Unfortunately Rivendell is unable to offer concessionary rates in 2022, as we are still in a very difficult financial situation as a result of closing for a year and a half due to the pandemic (2020/2021). However, please consider writing to our office team via bookings@rivendellretreatcentre.com if you really are in need of some financial assistance to help enable you to come on retreat here.
 

Cancellation policy

If you wish to cancel your place on a retreat, we require a minimum notice of 4 calendar weeks before a retreat is due to take place, in order that a refund will be possible. All deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable in all *circumstances. If you cancel and we can't replace you, you will be required to pay half the total cost of the retreat. Please let us know as soon as possible if you need to cancel, as there may be other people waiting for a place on the retreat to become available. A refund will still be on the basis that we can the fill your space.

*However, if Rivendell has to cancel your retreat due to further Covid restrictions, then you will be given the option of a full refund, to transfer your money to another retreat, or perhaps to consider offering your fee, or part of it as a donation.