Refuge
retreat
Unguided Retreat
22–25 February 2024
Introduction with Alex Romanyuk
The foundation of the Buddhist way of life is to take refuge - in Buddha to guide us on the spiritual path to enlightenment; in Dharma (Buddha's teachings) to protect us from fear and suffering; and in Sangha (those who practice Buddha's teachings) to inspire us, set a good example, and help us on the path to inner peace.
During this retreat, spend time developing the mind of refuge and fill it with inspiring blessings. Discover how it can free you from suffering and problems.
The refuge retreat is unguided, which means that everyone meditates own their own during the silent meditation time. In each meditation session we chant Buddhist prayers together and spend about 30 minutes in silence, which we can use for contemplation and meditation.
We recommend everyone who has never participated in this retreat before to attend the introduction on Thursday evening.
Price
Donation based
Language
English
Place
KMC Switzerland
What to expect
The retreat begins with an introduction on Thursday evening, followed by four retreat sessions on the following retreat days. Each session lasts one and a quarter hours and consists of sung prayers (dedication to the spiritual master) in English and silent time for constructing the mandalas. You are warmly invited to participate in one or all of the retreat sessions. The retreat is based on a donation basis.
During the breaks there is the possibility to deepen the practice through study, corresponding texts are available. Furthermore, there is the possibility to exchange with like-minded people.
Course Information
Price
Donation based
Timetable
Thursday 22 February 2024
19:00–20:00 pm | Introduction with Alex Romanyuk
Fri–Sat 23–24 February 2024
9:00–10:15am | Retreat Session 1
11:00–12:15pm | Retreat Session 2
12:30pm | Lunch Break
15:15–16:00pm | Heart Jewel (optional)
17:00–18:15pm | Retreat Session 3
19:00–20:15pm | Retreat Session 4
Sunday 25 February 2024
9:00–10:15am | Retreat Session 1
11:30–13:00 pm | Offering to the Spiritual Guide Puja
Language
The prayers are chanted in English
Place
This course takes place at Kadampa Meditation Center Switzerland (KMC), Mirabellenstrasse 1, 8048 Zürich Altstetten
Registration
Registration for participation on site is required
Helpful information & How to get there
Click here for helpful information and how to get there
Frequently asked questions
Can people attend our courses even if they are not Buddhists?
Yes - Everyone is welcome at Kadampa Meditation Center Switzerland. No one is excluded, no matter what your background or beliefs are. The methods and practices taught here are suitable for everyone, no matter how much experience you have.
Do I have to wear certain clothes to attend the events at the center?
No - Please come as you are. At KMC Switzerland, chairs and meditation cushions are provided for seating. If you like to sit on the cushion, we recommend that you wear comfortable clothing. Traditionally you will be asked to take off your shoes before entering the meditation room. We have floor heating and socks if needed.
Do I need meditation experience to participate?
No - Many people who come to our events have little or no experience. It doesn't matter if you have tried to meditate before without much success. Everyone finds meditation challenging in the beginning because our mind is naturally very busy. Kadampa Meditation Center is a perfect place to train in meditation.
Is the center also accessible by wheelchair?
Yes - Our meditation room is at ground level and we lay out ramps for the few steps we have.