Refuge Retreat
In-Depth Retreat
Jul 3 - 10, 2026
Refuge Retreat is the first of the four great preliminary guides that we need to practice if we want to enter into Buddhism and make progress on our spiritual path to enlightenment. Through training in sincerely going for refuge we enter the gateway to Buddhism; and training in the compassionate mind of bodhichitta we enter the gateway to the Mahayana – the main path to the state of enlightenment.
If we do not have a practice of refuge in the Three Jewels – Buddha, Dharma and Sangha – we will not enter Buddhism and this means we have no opportunity to attain permanent liberation from suffering or the supreme happiness of Enlightenment. Then we will have lost the meaning of human life.
There will be four guided sessions a day, except when there are tsog offering Pujas, and the practice is accomplished within the sadhana Essence of Good Fortune.
To book please contact reception:
Timetable
JUL 3
Friday
6:30pm
Supper
7:30 - 9pm
Introduction
JUL 4
Saturday
7 – 8.30am
Session 1
10.30 – 12pm
Session 2
3 – 4.30pm
Session 3
7.30 – 8.45pm
Wishfulfilling Jewel Puja with Tsog Puja in the Temple
JUL 5 & 6
Sunday & Monday
7 – 8.30am
Session 1
10.30 – 12pm
Session 2
3 – 4.30pm
Session 3
7.30 – 9pm
Session 4
JUL 7
Tuesday
7 – 8.30am
Session 1
10.30 – 12pm
Session 2
3 – 4.30pm
Session 3
5 - 6pm
Wishfulfilling Jewel Puja in the North Wing Meditation Room
7.30 – 9pm
GP Class in the Temple
JUL 8
Wed
7 – 8.30am
Session 1
10 – 11am
GP Class in the North Wing Meditation Room
3 – 4.30pm
Session 3
7.30 – 9pm
Session 4
JUL 9
Thur
7 – 8.30am
Session 1
10.30 – 12pm
Session 2
3 – 4.30pm
Session 3
7.30 – 9pm
Session 4
JUL 10
Friday
7 – 8.30am
Session 1
10.30 – 12pm
Session 2
5 - 6pm
Wishfulfilling Jewel Puja in the North Wing Meditation Room
7.30 – 9.15pm
Offering to the Spiritual Guide Tsog Puja in the Temple
Discover the Retreat Setting
A special tranquil place
Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre, nestled on the edge of the Lake District, offers the perfect setting for a retreat. Surrounded by beautiful woodland and gardens, this peaceful sanctuary provides an ideal space to step away from the busyness of daily life. The centre's stunning temple, tranquil environment, and breathtaking views over Morecambe Bay make it the perfect place to relax, recharge, and deepen your meditation practice. Whether you’re looking to find inner peace or gain clarity and wisdom, this serene location offers everything you need for a truly transformative experience.
Retreat accommodation
Accommodation is in simple, comfortable rooms. Those on retreats will stay either in a room in the main building of Conishead Priory or in a room in one of the cottages that line the gardens and overlook the Temple for World Peace. You can choose single, twin or shared rooms and there are limited number of en-suite rooms available. Book early to get a full choice of accommodation.
Experiences
Every person who visits and takes part in a course at Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre leaves with a unique experience of peace in their heart. This experience is shaped by our circumstances in life and how these ancient teachings, adapted to our modern lives, touch our heart. Because each of us is a unique individual, we will each have our own special meaningful experience to take home with us.
Testimonials
Resources
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Venue
Yes you can sit on a chair! There are also other seating arrangements for those who like to sit on the floor in the traditional cross legged style.
Yes, you can attend just part of the course. Some classes are drop in but for longer courses our flexible booking system allows you to choose the specific days you wish to attend. Simply log into the booking system and select the days that best fit your schedule. If you have any further questions or need assistance with the booking process, feel free to contact reception.
Yes, absolutely! There will be ample opportunities for questions to be answered throughout the course. You’ll have the chance to engage with the teacher and interact with other people attending.
Yes. Please check the “Resources” section on this page. It contains links to the books covered in the course, as well as a podcast and YouTube channel for additional learning and insights.
No, there are no specific practices or rituals you need to be familiar with before attending. However, please note that there will be some short chanted prayers to start and conclude of some sessions. You can follow the words in the booklets that will be supplied. There is no obligation to sing, but it is very beneficial to follow the meaning of the words for a successful meditation practice.
The meals provided are vegetarian. You can choose gluten-free and/or vegan options when booking. If you have any allergies, please make sure to inform us in advance. A full menu with ingredients will be listed in the servery, please check if you are unsure.
Yes, we do have facilities for disabled people. This includes disabled parking, accommodation, bathrooms and access to the temple. If you are hard of hearing, please let us know so that we can supply you with headphones during the teaching. For any additional questions or specific needs, please contact reception.
No, our courses are presented in a way that is accessible to everyone, and no religious obligation is required.
How to get here
