Meditation Made Simple: Shamatha for Peace & Balance
About this Event
Join us for a one-day retreat, held at Jamyang Buddhist Centre Leeds, where we’ll explore the art of shamatha (sometimes simply called ‘concentration’) meditation—an ancient practice designed to calm the mind and arouse focus and clarity.
What is Shamatha?
Shamatha, or “calm abiding,” is a practice that helps you develop focus, ease, and mental clarity. By learning to settle the agitations of the mind, you can experience a deep sense of relaxation and alertness, creating space for emotional balance and inner peace.
What to Expect:
Under the guidance of visiting teacher, David Oromith, you’ll gain both an understanding of shamatha and practical techniques to incorporate it into your daily life. Whether you’re completely new to meditation or looking to deepen your practice, this retreat offers something for everyone.
Through guided sessions and discussions, you’ll discover how shamatha can:
• Reduce physical and mental stress
• Improve focus and clarity
• Cultivate a lasting sense of tranquillity
This event is perfect for seasoned practitioners and anyone seeking a break from the busyness of daily life, whether you’re exploring meditation for the first time or looking for tools to de-stress and recharge.
For those on the Buddhist path:
The Buddha strongly emphasised the importance of achieving shamatha in order to achieve awakening. Shamatha is, therefore, an indispensable practice for those on this path.
Why Join?
In a world filled with constant noise and pressure, this retreat offers a much-needed pause—a chance to reconnect with yourself and find a space of calm within.
Lunch
Jamyang Leeds is home to the Happy Yak Cafe, a vegetarian/vegan cafe, which will be open for attendees of our day retreat to get lunch.
Teas and coffee will be provided during our mid-morning break.
Booking & Donations
There are limited places available for this day retreat. Please book in advance using the form at the bottom of this page.
We are embracing a sliding scale policy for this event, guided by the Buddhist principle of generosity and inclusivity. There are suggested donations to help cover the cost of putting on this event, including room hire and travel and accommodation cost for the teacher and volunteers. Choosing the higher option includes a donation to support our activities for the benefit of all.
We firmly believe, however, that financial constraints should never be a barrier to participation. If the suggested amount is beyond your means, please choose the lower option or contribute what you can — every offering helps make this event possible for the collective good. Without your honesty and generosity, we wouldn’t be able to make this event happen!
Parking & Getting Here
There is free on-street parking and less than 10 mins drive from the city centre, as well as direct access to nearby motorways. The postcode is LS11 9RQ.
Bus from City Centre:
No. 55, 65, 75 from Bus Stop Wellington (M) on Whitehall Road (Outside Whitehall Quay) and disembark at Top Moore Side approx 10 mins. Walk back to the shop KASA on the corner of Crosby Street, and walk to the very end of Crosby Street (you will see the Jamyang Banners and mural) and the entrance is on the corner at the end of the street.
Walking / Cycling from City Centre:
If walking from the Queens Hotel at Leeds Train Station, walk behind the hotel onto Whitehall Road. Follow the road, and it eventually turns to the left at Dunelm Mill, continue walking / cycling and go over the roundabout, and continue ahead towards the Viaduct. Once underneath the Viaduct you will see a grassed area on your right with a footpath next to houses. Cross the road and follow the foot path which leads onto Ingram Road. Once on Ingram Road proper you will see the Jamyang Banners, our entrance is on the corner of Ingram Road and Crosby Street. Walking Route.
About the Teacher
David Oromith is the co-founder of Samadhi. He is a Buddhist contemplative and meditation guide with a background in mental health services. Having practised meditation since the age of 18, his journey into Buddhism began through personal struggles with depression and anxiety, leading him to the Buddha’s teachings.
David has studied under various teachers, with Dr. B. Alan Wallace as his primary teacher, and is influenced by Tibetan Buddhism among other traditions, recognising the value and benefit of multiple points-of-view. He focuses on meditation training and core, practical Buddhist principles in his teachings. He is the author of the book A Practical Guide to Mindful Living and leads several retreats across the UK every year, as well as teaching online and in person across South Wales.
David’s engaging style is clear, practical, and relatable, hoping to make ancient practices applicable to modern life. He works towards the establishment of the Samadhi Eco Retreat Centre as a community for inner development.
Reviews
Hourly Schedule
Day Retreat
- 10.00am - 11.30am
- Session 1
- Talk & Meditation
- 11.30am - 12.00pm
- Break
- 12.00pm - 1.30pm
- Session 2
- Talk & Meditation
- 1.30pm - 2.30pm
- Lunch
- 2.30pm - 3.30pm
- Session 3
- Talk, Meditation & Discussion
If you would like to support our vision of making these teachings as accessible as possible, please consider making a donation, supporting future groups, events & retreats. Interested to know why we charge for this event and what happens to profits? Read here.
Speakers
Speaker
David OromithBuddhist Contemplative, Author and Meditation GuideDavid is a Buddhist contemplative, author, meditation guide and retreat leader. He is the Co-Founder of Samadhi, an organisation based in the UK and a member of the UK’s Network of Buddhist Organisations. He teaches workshops internationally and online and leads retreats across the UK. Through his clear and practical teaching style and warm and humorous approach, David inspires people to take back control of their thoughts and feelings and discover genuine wellbeing within.
