Tuesday - Sunday
14th Oct - 8th Nov

No, this Urban Retreat is designed for anyone to drop in and out whenever suits them. You might want to just come for a morning or evening class, a half or a full day. You don't need to commit beforehand to how much you'll join the retreat for.

Absolutely! You are welcome to come to a single session and see if it feels right for you — there is no pressure to commit.

No, just turn up!

This retreat is freely offered by the team at the Buddhist Centre. We do ask for a donation of £5-10 for each day you join the retreat, plus £5 per meal to help us cover our costs. Whatever you give helps support the Croydon Buddhist Centre and keeps the teachings available to everyone. If you’re not able to donate right now, you’re still very welcome. Donations can be made by card or cash at reception before or after the class.

Our doors will be open with someone on reception for most of the day. However, to avoid interruptions to meditations, our doors will be closed during sessions. If you arrive outside the 'doors open' times, there will be a sign on the door saying when the doors will be reopened. If it's a 'doors open' time and you don't see anyone at reception, please ring the bell and we'll come along to let you in! Doors will be open between the following times:

7.15 - 7.30

8.20 - 8.30

9.00 - 10.30

11.35 - 11.55

12.45 - 17.00

17.45 - 19.15

During this month, regular meditation classes on Saturday mornings, and Wednesday and Thursday evenings, as well as qigong classes, will not run in parallel to the retreat. Rather, they will be integrated into the retreat, so if for example you're a Saturday morning regular, you can still show up at the usual time - the session will just be a part of the retreat.

We've noticed over the past few years that the most magical times of spiritual depth have come during our shorter Urban Retreats, and we want to create more space for that depth. We all go deeper when we practice intensively together, and the idea of this retreat is that a core of practitioners create a 'stream of practice' which the whole of the wider community can step into as much as they are able to.

We kindly ask that you keep your digital devices switched off and out of sight whilst in the building during the retreat. You're welcome to make a call if you need to, but please do so outside of the building. This contributes a surprisingly large amount to the atmosphere of depth we'd like to create during the retreat.

No! All sessions will be suitable to all levels of experience, including newcomers.

No! Absolutely everyone is welcome - even if you're sceptical about Buddhism!

No special gear is needed. Just wear something comfortable you can sit in — chairs and meditation cushions are provided. You do not need to bring anything else, but you can bring your own meditation gear if you want to. Our team will be able to help you figure out what the most comfortable meditation posture is for you with the props we have.

Yes. The Buddhist Centre's email will be checked daily by the team. You're welcome to share this email with friends and family, and if they have an important message for you, they can put your name in the subject line and we'll pass their message on to you. The email is info@buddhistcentrecroydon.org

While we are a Buddhist centre, these sessions are open to everyone — whatever your background or beliefs. We will share practical, down-to-earth Buddhist teachings that we hope you will find helpful and inspiring, regardless of your views on religion. There will be some chanting and short rituals which you will be welcome to take part in - but no pressure.