7 Day Silent Shamatha Meditation Retreat in Mid Wales
- Montgomeryshire, Powys (Mid Wales)
7 Days to Soothe the Body, Settle the Mind, and Illuminate Awareness
Mon 18th August – Sunday 24th August Good Availability
About the retreat
Join us for a one-week silent Buddhist meditation retreat in the breathtaking setting of Mid Wales.
– Please note on this retreat we will observe silence daily until 6:30pm at which point you may optionally break silence for a few hours of meaningful conversation over dinner. It is possible to maintain silence throughout. –
During this silent shamatha meditation retreat, led by Buddhist meditation teacher, David Oromith, and accredited yoga teacher, Manu Oromith, we will explore methods for cultivating tranquillity (shamatha) through mind, body and breath.
During the sessions with David, we will explore the practice and theory of shamatha meditation. Through shamatha meditation, we train our attention skills and improve our focus and concentration. These practices allow us to unwind, let go of stress and worry, and cultivate mental and emotional balance.
The ultimate purpose of shamatha meditation is to achieve advanced states of samadhi, or meditative concentration, where one is able to focus unwavering attention on a single object. The Buddha strongly emphasised the importance of achieving shamatha in order to achieve personal liberation. Shamatha is, therefore, an indispensable practice for those seeking awakening.
Sessions with Manu will complement our practice, as Manu shares gentle asanas from the yogic traditions which deepen our tranquillity and enhance our connection with the body. The soothing and healing yoga sessions also help to improve physical flexibility, strength and resistance.
"I cannot recommend Samadhi highly enough. I participated in a 4 day silent retreat that took place at the Trigonos center in Wales and I am so glad that I did.First off, the setting and the attention to detail (vegan food, accommodations, welcome gifts, and supporting material like handbooks) made the environment just right. Then, David...ah, David. He's a wonderful instructor who took us on a multi-day meditative journey deeper into our minds, helping us understand ourselves in new ways that were revealing and empowering.I told a few people that the silence was challenge, but it was the meditation that was the tough part. Not because it wasn't enjoyable...it was, but because I felt like I spent all of that time with a personal mental trainer who gave me an amazing workout and showing me how to keep myself in better shape. And Manu's yoga was a powerful way to start and end each day. It was just the right amount, particularly for someone who is not a regular practitioner.I so enjoyed the other attendees. After all, they are a self-selecting group of people on a similar path, but what was particularly powerful was how we formed bonds with each other over 3 days without actually speaking with each other.Whether you do a silent retreat or a non-silent one, don't hesitate. Sign up with Samadhi. You can thank me later."
Jeremy Epstein
About Silent Retreat
Deepening tranquillity & insight through silence
In our world, we are surrounded by noise, external and internal, which drowns out our peace of mind and inner wisdom and compassion. Silent retreats are a wonderful way of deepening our practice, cultivating inner stillness and discovering insight.
Periods of extended silence can be a liberating experience, allowing us to get to know our minds at a deeper level. Through letting go of the familiar world of words we give ourselves space from the complexities of social interactions and can come to see our mind and its activity more clearly.
How does it work?
During our retreat, attendees are asked to maintain complete silence, including non-verbal communication each day until 6.30 pm. At this point, you may break silence if you wish for a few hours of meaningful discussion. It is your personal preference and you can maintain silence throughout the evenings. This means there is a balance between the opportunity to focus on our practice, and opportunities for meaningful sharing with other participants.
Spending six days in silence with others is not without its challenges – it can feel unusual and awkward at first, and there may be periods where we feel uncomfortable being alone with our mind. However, attendees often find that being together in this way allows them to explore a degree of solitude while having the safety, connection and support of likeminded people. You will be supported during your inner exploration by each other and by your group leaders who will be around to help you.
Prerequisites for silent meditation retreat
This retreat is primarily for those who feel ready for silent retreat. We recommend that attendees have prior experience of meditation retreat or an established meditation practice. If you're unsure if this is you but you're keen to come along, please get in touch with us at [email protected] or by using the messenger button in the corner.
About The Venue
Tranquil eco centre in Powys
The Centre for Alternative Technology’s WISE Building is an award-winning venue with outstanding sustainability credentials.
Situated in the UNESCO Dyfi Biosphere in mid-Wales, WISE has impressive facilities with stunning views into Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park.
CAT is easy to get to via public transport. Machynlleth is on the Birmingham to Aberystwyth train line, and from there regular buses will bring you within a short walk of CAT.
Accommodation
Clean, bright and comfortable rooms
Accommodation options for our group are spread over two buildings, firstly, there are rooms in the main WISE building, all with private ensuites. All of these rooms are bright and airy, comfortable, uncluttered and simply furnished, with views out into the mountains and woodland. (See pictures below). The rooms are all single occupancy but can be made up as twin or doubles on request.
We also have a limited number of more affordable rooms in CAT’s ‘Self Build’ – these rooms are basic, with shared W/Cs and showers, and could be made into a possible self-catering option.
Catering
Vegan & delicious!
The retreat is fully catered with fresh and delicious meals. Meals consist of continental or cooked breakfasts, a soup and roll for lunch, and a hearty two-course evening meal. There will also be mid-morning and afternoon tea and coffee available. Everything provided will be plant-based.
The chefs are skilled at creating tasty dishes that are freshly cooked and nutritious. With gardens bursting full of seasonal produce, many of the ingredients used are grown and harvested from the gardens. And what they don’t grow themselves they try to source from local, organic growers or to use fair-trade ingredients.
The Grounds
A unique atmosphere of luscious biodiversity
Surround yourself with the quiet of sustainably managed woodlands, where nature provides the perfect setting for reflection. As you walk, you may spot red kites, otters, peregrine falcons, and other wildlife thriving in this protected environment.
Follow the trails through ancient trees to stunning views over southern Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, or take the Quarry Trail to explore landscapes shaped by both industry and nature. Once a working quarry, the site is now home to waterfalls, wildflower meadows, and a rich variety of plant and animal life.
Pause by the reservoir, the source of the site’s off-grid water system, for a moment of stillness and calm. With three trails to choose from, each offering space for quiet contemplation, this is a place to slow down, reconnect, and find stillness in nature.
What's included
Everything you need for a unique experience
- Tea, coffee and refreshments on arrival
- Six nights accommodation at the Centre for Alternative Technology
- Continental & cooked breakfast with a selection of choice
- Mid-morning & afternoon tea, coffee & refreshment breaks
- Seasonal homemade lunches
- Hearty two-course dinners
- Car parking for the duration of your stay
- Relaxing and restoring yoga sessions each day
- Relaxing guided meditations – which are easy to follow and can be practiced at home
- Dharma talks – exploring the theory and practice of shamatha and Buddhist psychology
- Full days of Noble Silence (optional breaking silence after 6.30pm)
- Opportunities to discuss with others and ask questions
- Beautiful grounds and woodlands to explore and enjoy
- Local countryside walks and places of interest nearby
Reviews
Hear from our previous attendees
Meet the Hosts
Reserve your place today
Dorje Gyalpo 'David' Oromith
International Buddhist Meditation Teacher & Retreat Leader
David will lead this retreat, run the workshops and guided meditations, and be on hand as a mentor to support you.
David is an experienced Buddhist contemplative and meditation guide who has studied and taught internationally for several years. He is the Co-Founder of Samadhi and a qualified mindfulness teacher, and an active member of the Association for Spiritual Integrity. His teaching style is clear and practical, and his warm and humorous approach makes him a popular mindfulness teacher.
Manu Oromith
Accredited Yoga Teacher & Retreat Leader
Manu is our retreat co-ordinator and accredited yoga teacher. He will guide our morning vinyasa yoga sessions and, alongside our venue hosts, will be around to assist you during your retreat and make sure you have a wonderful experience.
He is the Co-Founder of Samadhi and a Mental Health First Aider. Manu’s laid-back approach and kind heart has a warming and inspiring impact on our retreatants and he is much loved by all.
Details & Schedule
What to expect
Pricing >
Getting There >
Schedule >
Cancellation Policy >
Mental Health & Wellbeing >
Pricing >
Availability 2025
Mon 18th August – Sunday 24th August Good Availability
Pricing & Rooms
**Early bookings get £100 off**
There are two accommodation options: rooms in the nicer, more modern WISE Building, and more affordable, but basic rooms in the ‘Self Build’.
Single Room (Ensuite) in the WISE Building – £1030 £930
Single Room (Shared W/C & Showers) in the basic ‘Self Build’ – £830 £730
Rooms are all single occupancy. Upon request, we can make up rooms as twins or doubles with a discount on accommodation.
Example breakdown of where your money goes:
Total Fee: £930
Food & Accommodation (6 nights/7 days): £680
Course fee (6/7 day course): £250 – this covers the costs of running the event, and any surplus supports our activities and fundraising for our own Retreat Centre.
BOOK NOW, PAY LATER – Book with a £100 deposit, with the rest due 4 weeks before the retreat.
This retreat is all-inclusive, and includes everything listed here.
There are limited bursaries available, we invite you to find out more here. If you’re purchasing a gift, you can choose to buy a gift voucher which your recipient can use on a retreat of their choosing.
Getting There >
Getting to the Centre
Located at the heart of the Dyfi Biosphere, the Centre for Alternative Technology is around three miles north of Machynlleth on the A487, just by the small hamlet of Pantperthog.
CAT is easy to get to via public transport. Machynlleth is on the Birmingham to Aberystwyth railway line, and from there regular buses will bring you within a short walk of CAT. Or take the Sustrans cycle route from Machynlleth straight to our doorstep. If you’re coming from North Wales, a regular bus from Bangor to Aberystwyth stops at Pantperthog.
Accessible parking is available for those who need it.
By Car
The Visitor Centre is located north of Machynlleth just off the A487 towards Dolgellau. It is clearly signposted from the main road. Car parking is available on site.
By Train
Machynlleth is on the Birmingham-to-Aberystwyth railway line, which can be also accessed via Shrewsbury and Wolverhampton. This line is served by Transport For Wales trains.
By Bus
You can catch either the T2 or fflecsi bus to CAT from Machynlleth. See the T2 timetable or look up the Fflecsi service for details.
By Bike or on Foot
Sustrans National Cycle Network Route 8 passes via the rail station, right up to the entrance of the CAT Visitor Centre. This is a very pleasant, albeit a little hilly, route. The journey takes less than half an hour by bike and about an hour on foot.
Address & Postcode:
Centre for Alternative Technology, Llwyngwern Quarry, Pantperthog, Machynlleth SY20 9AZ
Schedule >
Typical Schedule
DAY ONE
3.00pm – Check-in & arrival
5.00pm – Introduction & Orientation (with Manu & David)
6:30pm – Dinner in the Dining Room
8:30pm-9:00pm – Evening Guided Meditation (with David)
DAY TWO-SIX
Wake up – Personal Practice
7:00am-8:00am – Group Meditation (Unguided)
8:00am-8:30am – Morning Yoga (with Manu)
8:30am – Breakfast
9:30am-11:00am – Session 1 – Meditation & Teachings (with David)
11:00am – Mid-Morning Tea/Coffee & Snack
11:45am-1:00pm – Session 2 – Meditation & Teachings (with David)
1:00pm – Lunch
1:30pm – Rest & Personal Practice
3:00pm-4:00pm – Group Meditation in the Hall (Unguided)
4:00pm – Afternoon tea
5:00pm-6:15pm – Session 3 – Meditation & Teachings (with David)
7:00pm – Evening Meal
8:30pm – Evening Yoga with Manu OR Personal Practice
DAY SEVEN
Wake up – Personal Practice
7:00am-8:00am – Group Meditation in the Hall (Unguided)
8:00am-8:30am – Morning Vinyasa Yoga (with Manu)
8:30am – Breakfast
9:30am-11:00am – Closing Session (with David)
11:00am – Retreat Ends
Arrival on Monday is from 3pm and the retreat will begin at 5.00pm with a welcome session and guided meditation and dinner will be at 6.30pm. Our retreat finishes with a closing session on Sunday at 9.30am.
During your rest time between sessions, you can relax, rest, or take a walk as you wish. Please endeavour to maintain inner and outer silence, free of distractions in your rest time.
Cancellation Policy >
Cancellation
By booking you agree to our cancellation policy and the booking terms and conditions.
Our cancellation and refund policy for overnight retreats is as follows:
- Cancellation 6 weeks or more before the event: full refund minus a 10% admin and payment processing fee
- Cancellation less than 6 weeks before the event: deposit non-refundable (unless your place is booked by someone else, in which case a refund of your deposit minus a 10% admin and payment processing fee)
- Cancellation less than 4 weeks before the event: no refund (unless your place is booked by someone else, in which case a refund of any amount paid minus the deposit)
Full payments are due 4 weeks before the start of the retreat.
Due to the cancellation policies of our third-party venues, we are still required to pay the full amount for your accommodation and meals even if you cancel last minute. We also may be unable to fill your space at such short notice. We can therefore not offer a refund under these circumstances. This is why we strongly recommend adequate travel insurance, including cancellation insurance, to protect yourself against medical or other unforeseen emergencies that prevent you from attending.
Our Booking Swap policy (moving your booking to a future date) for overnight retreats is as follows:
- Request 6 weeks or more before the event: booking can be moved to a future date without problem
- Request less than 6 weeks before the event: we can move your booking only if your place is booked by someone else. If your place cannot be filled, the above cancellation and refund policy applies from the date which you notified us.
Mental Health & Wellbeing >
Mental Health & Wellbeing
Please read our health and safety information carefully.
While meditation, yoga and Buddhist psychology have been proven to be beneficial for mental health and wellbeing, our events are not presented as a treatment for serious mental health problems or addiction. Exploring the realm of the mind and emotions can be in itself an emotional experience and we always strive to create a safe, supportive environment for participants to embark on this exploration. However, for certain individuals experiencing psychological or emotional difficulties, this event may not be appropriate at this time. This is especially true when it comes to silent retreat, and attendees must feel mentally well in order to attend. Read more.
Before booking, please read our full terms and conditions and contact us via [email protected] if you have any doubts.
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When booking with us you are accepting our retreats terms and conditions.
FAQ's
Everything you need to know
Meditation & Buddhism with David
This retreat is primarily for those who feel ready for silent retreat. We recommend that attendees have prior experience of meditation retreat or an established meditation practice. If you’re unsure if this is you but you’re keen to come along, please get in touch with us at [email protected] or by using the messenger button in the corner.
Some understanding or experience of Buddhism can be helpful, but this is not required.
Yoga sessions with Manu
No experience required. Before the event, you will be asked to fill out a form related to your yoga ability and health and safety. The classes will be adapted to the group depending on the overall level.
It is possible to cater for dietary allergies and intolerances. Please ensure you have submitted your dietary information to us at the time of booking to make sure that our team caters accordingly. If a diet is extremely specialised, please contact us in advance.
For the meditation and workshop sessions, you just need to wear something comfortable. If, weather permitting, the yoga sessions are held outside, you can take your yoga mat from the hall with you to the outside space. For the yoga sessions, wear some comfortable clothes in which you can move freely. You are welcome to bring any additional cushions, mats or blankets if you wish.
At this venue, the group size will be between 20 and 30.
Yes, the venue has ample free parking available for guests.
Arrival is from 3pm on Monday. On arrival, go straight to Reception where you will be greeted by our venue hosts. They will show you to your room and the welcome area for refreshments. Our introductory session will begin at 5.00pm, with dinner at 3.40pm.
Yes, Wi-Fi is available in all facilities and bedrooms
Please advise us in advance if you expect to be delayed. This will allow us to make arrangements for your arrival.
Have another question? Please send us an email or a message us using the chat in the corner of the screen.
