The traditional Pali word for ordination is samvara, literally ‘a binding’. When we enter the Order, w, therefore create a very deep bond: we are vowing to Go for Refuge “as long as breath lasts” as the early disciples of the Buddha say. We are making a sacred oath. On this weekend we’ll establish to what and to whom we commit ourselves at the time of ordination and we’ll discover how to ensure that this bond, oath or vow is never broken and is constantly upheld and enhanced over the course of a lifetime. This weekend will also be extra special as it includes the Going Forth ritual for men invited to the 2024 Guhyaloka Ordination Course.

Banner and thumbnail image: cropped and edited drawing by Aloka ©

Details and Timings

The retreat starts with dinner on the first day at 6:30pm and finishes on the final day at around 2:30pm.