The Aspiration
We wish to create a place for the whole of the UK to meet, meditate and deepen our friendships in a beautiful, tranquil environment which can be easily reached by the small sangha’s in the North for short weekend retreats.
In Warsaw in 2016 Lama Ole said He wanted to do something in the North. In Killarney Southern Ireland in 2017 Lama Ole confirmed we should look for a retreat centre in the North of England. It is clear that the Beaufoy remains the focus for UK fundraising and that the idea of the northern retreat centre originates from a genuine need of the local sangha’s to come together to further support UK activity.
The Inspiration
Meditation and friendship are at the heart of Diamond Buddhist centres. The inspirational Beaufoy Centre in London has taught us to value the development Dharma projects bring. The distances involved in traveling to London mean it is not always practical for weekend visits. We have been holding UK retreats in the North for 15 years. It has been very important for our small groups to meet, work together and feel part of something bigger. It has also been a great joy to welcome so many visitors from other parts of the UK that have come to join us.
The Location
Lama Ole has indicated an area on the north west of the UK between the Lake District and Scotland. Our research has found small habitable farms can be bought for around £300,000 freehold with outbuildings and land attached allowing us to expand over time
The Instigation
We have started to make monthly donations and save the profits from our retreats. We want to raise £108,000 to allow us to pay the deposit on a mortgage and get up and running as a retreat centre, after which we plan for it to be self-funding. The best scenario is a place where we can hold our regular retreats but also provide a space for larger UK course and individual retreats.
Your Collaboration
- You can come and join in in our regular retreats
- You can make monthly or one-off donations to our bank account. (Contact us for bank details)
- You can spend money in some of our UK Northern retreat pop-up shops
- You can make strong wishes for our success may your wishes benefit all beings!
To get in touch, email uknorthernretreat@gmail.com
