Date
- 19 - 21 Mar 2021
- Expired!
Time
- 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
The Buddha’s greatest innovation was the unification of shamatha and vipashyana. Before this discovery, contemplative inquiry into the nature of reality had not been linked with samadhi (single-pointed concentration). The Buddha asserted that the fusion of shamatha with vipashyana is the key to liberation – an irreversible healing and purification of the mind. If the bad habits of mind are irreversibly overcome by severing the root of suffering, lasting freedom will be attained.
This in-depth weekend retreat will enable you to gain experience of both shamatha and vipashyana, the way the Buddha himself found freedom.
We will start with an introductory talk on Friday evening, followed by four retreat sessions on Saturday focussing on methods to develop this stable, clear, calm quality of mind (shamatha.) Then, on Sunday, we will engage in a further four retreat sessions on the Four Foundations of Mindfulness (vipashyana).
Each 1-hour session will consist of partly guided, partly silent sessions, enabling us to be confident in the practice we’re doing but to then go deeper and gain insight without interruption. Only through our own experience will we understand the subtle truths pointed out by these simple but profound techniques.
This retreat is suitable for both beginners and experienced meditators.
I would encourage you to really take this opportunity to engage with this as a retreat, and to the best of your ability, arrange your weekend accordingly. Guidelines for doing this are below.
It is not impossible to enjoy the benefits of retreat whilst in our usual home environment. While we may not have access to a beautiful secluded retreat location, to the best of your ability, create the most suitable environment for you. For this weekend retreat, I would encourage you to adopt a retreat mindset – carve out a virtual retreat space, let your loved ones know of your intentions, arrange a quiet weekend, and minimise your distractions.
Dedicate time to read books about dharma or meditation, and practice away from diversions and interruptions, and maintain your silence as much as possible. When you must interact with others, try to keep your talk and activity meaningful. The ability to rest in silence is a rare opportunity in today’s world, but one which can bring many benefits, promoting a quieter mind and body and leading to a deeper meditation practice. Between sessions, engage in mindful movement – mindful walking, mindful eating, and coming to terms with what it means to spend time with your mind
✔ 3-day online retreat with Buddhist Teacher, David Johnson
✔ Partly guided, partly silent meditation sessions, designed to help us deepen our practice.
✔ Introductory talks- exploring the theory behind shamatha and vipashyana.
✔ A chance to share and discuss with others
✔ Access to an exclusive Facebook Group for support and interaction with the Sangha.
Pre-booking is essential.
Standard Rate is £45 for the full 3-day retreat. All proceeds go towards the development of future programs and our vision for The Samadhi Retreat Centre. Teachers do not receive any payment for leading group retreats at Samadhi.
Free for Samadhi Supporters.
If you’re unable to commit to the whole weekend but would like to participate in one day or drop in to any sessions, this is possible. Please contact us using the Messenger button on this website.

By booking with us, you are agreeing to our Terms and Conditions, which can be viewed here.

David 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.
Welcome to Samadhi! We aim to introduce people to meditation, mindfulness & Buddhism, and help them integrate these practices into their daily life.
SAMADHI RETREAT CENTRE
(Charity number: 1207744)
Spiritual Patron: Lama B. Alan Wallace (PhD)
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Samadhi is an inclusive organisation and we welcome people of all ages, genders (including gender identity), sexual orientation, abilities, race (including colour, nationality and ethnic or national origin), religion or belief.
As an LGBTQ-led Buddhist organisation, we strongly believe that no one should be discriminated against for any reason at all and subscribe to the ideals of non-harm and loving-kindness. You’re welcome no matter who you are and you’re free to express yourself authentically.