Bookings

To book a place on a retreat or a workshop, visit the Calendar page to view upcoming retreats and events and follow the instructions.

For  events with a cost, it is necessary to pay in advance of the retreat. This can be done online by clicking on the appropriate retreat name and then on the “Book Now” button. Alternatively, you can send a cheque payable to Sunyata Buddhist Centre  to Sunyata Buddhist  Centre, Snaty, Sixmilebridge, Co.Clare. The required amount is stated in the retreat description.

Refunds

Full refunds are granted if you let us know within 5 working days of your cancellation. There is a €10 handling fee for refunds.

Retreat Charges

It is the aim of the centre to offer all of our retreats and courses at a minimal charge. These charges are intended to cover the running costs and upkeep of the centre.  There is an opportunity to offer a donation (dana) to the centre and/or teacher at the end of the retreat.

Dana (Generosity)

Dana is word from the Pali language meaning generosity and is an important part of the spiritual path. Since the retreat charges only cover the running costs of the centre, any additional donations are appreciated as they allow us to continue to offer retreats at a reasonable cost.

Retreat Programme

Retreats are usually conducted in silence, apart from the instructions and talks by the teacher, and based on the Buddhist Eight Precepts, unless otherwise stated.

Should you have any questions regarding coming on retreat, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Below is a typical schedule for a weekend retreat.

Typical  Retreat Schedule

FRIDAY 

6:30    Soup & Orientation Talk

8:00   Opening Meditation & Talk

SATURDAY                                              

6:00: Morning Bell

6:30: Meditation

7:15: Breakfast

8:00: Working Meditation

8:45 -11:30: Morning practice

11:30 Main Meal [Noble Silence]

2:00: Afternoon practice

5:00: Tea & break

7:30: Evening chanting, meditation & talk                                 

SUNDAY   

6:00: Morning Bell

6:30 Meditation

7:15: Breakfast

8:00 Working Meditation

8:45-11:30: Morning practice

11:30 Main Meal [Noble Silence]

2:00: Afternoon practice

4:00: Retreat Ends &Tea

Most residential retreats will follow the code of conduct outlined in the eight precepts:

The Eight Precepts:

1. Harmlessness: not intentionally taking the life of any living creature.
2. Trustworthiness: not taking anything that is not given.
3. Chastity : refraining from any sexual activity.
4. Right Speech: retreatants are asked to maintain ‘noble silence’, that is not engaging in any talk with each other, or anyone else, unless it is really necessary.
5. Sobriety : not taking any intoxicating drinks or drugs.
6. Restraint : not wearing make-up, perfume or strongly-scented deodorant,  jewellery or immodest clothing; not playing radios, music tapes or musical instruments.
7. Alertness: to refrain from overindulgence in sleep.
8. Refrain from eating after main meal…