Padmaloka Website

I cannot afford the unwaged rate but would still like to come on retreat. Are there any other means?

If you need financial support to come on retreat, we have a bursary fund for this purpose. To apply for a bursary, please contact the Guestmaster.

There are also other institutions which can help you come on retreat. The Abhayaratna Trust can help Order Members come on retreat, while many centres, like the London Buddhist Centre have funds like the Ratnasambhava Fund to support those who need help to come on retreat, speak to your local Order Members for more information about this.

What happens if I cancel my booking?

If you decide you no longer want to come/or are unable to come on retreat, please let us know as soon as possible so that we can offer your place to someone else. If you cancel your booking due to unforeseen illness or bereavement, we will transfer you back the full retreat fee. For any other reason, we will refund you the retreat fee minus the deposit.

If I need to stay the night due to transportation reasons, how much does it cost?

We may ask that you contribute £20 to cover the costs of your stay, depending on whether you can help out with work duties etc.

How old do I need to be to come on retreat?

All men who come on retreat need to be at least 18 years old. If you are under 18 and would like to visit, please get your legal guardian to contact the office.

Can I be on retreat with my partner?

Yes, you can go on retreat with your partner but please let us know if you decide to do so. It is a requirement that you stay in different rooms and be in different groups, and we ask that while you stay here you do your best to participate as in the retreat as individuals.

Can I camp?

You are welcome to camp on our grounds – the costs remain the same. We have mattresses and bedding if you need it. Please tick the camping option when you sign up fora retreat.

I am non-binary/trans/gender diverse. Can I come on retreat at Padmaloka?

If you are interested in coming on a retreat at Padmaloka but are unsure as to whether it would be suitable for you, please get in contact with our Guestmaster so we can help you to have more of a comprehensive idea of what it is like to be on retreat here and whether it is right for you and others.

Are there any rules to be observed?

While on the Padmaloka grounds the consumption of meat/fish or drugs is prohibited. No sexual activity is allowed either, or pets – except in the case of guide dogs, please contact us beforehand if this is the case.

If you need to smoke, we ask that you do so off-premises and away from the property and neighbouring houses.

See our Coming on Retreat page for more information on the etiquette and principles of coming on a retreat at Padmaloka.

Can I request to share a room with someone?

Yes, please let us know who you would like to share a room with by emailing the Guestmaster, and we will try to arrange it.

What should I bring?

All materials needed for the retreat (books, specific meditation equipment etc.), towels, toiletries, and indoor shoes. An alarm clock, or watch, is also useful on retreat. We provide linen, blankets, and meditation gear, as well as yoga mats, and various other exercise equipment.

What time does the retreat start and finish?

Retreats generally start at 6:30pm with dinner, please arrive 1-2 hours earlier so that you can settle in before the retreat starts. Weekend retreats finish at 2:15pm, and longer retreats finish at 10:15am. Double-check your event booking confirmation or the retreat page for certainty.

Can I arrive late or leave early?

We ask that you attend the whole of a retreat. On a retreat, we form a temporary spiritual community, and individuals coming late or leaving early can disrupt this process.

If you are arriving late on the starting day of the retreat, or leaving early on the last day, we ask that you let our Guestmaster know, he can arrange a dinner save for your arrival if you would like.

What is the lodging like?

You will generally be sharing a room with either one or more people. There are bunk beds and single beds, rooms with and without carpet and drawers to store your clothing.

If required for health reasons or sleep difficulties, we can provide a single room, however, due to limited space we ask that you make this request several months in advance of the retreat, as we canonly have a limited number of single rooms.

Are there work duties during retreats?

Whilst on retreat at Padmaloka you form a temporary spiritual community. Part of that is signing up for a work duty each day and helping with the clear-up to ensure the smooth running of the practical side of the retreat. If you are unable to work due to a physical condition, please state this on the booking form.

Can I wash my clothes while on retreat?

You are welcome to use our washing machine and clothesline (and dryers if the weather doesn’t permit your clothes to be air-dried). We ask that you make a £2 contribution to cover the electricity and maintenance costs of the machines.

I have food allergies or dietary restrictions. Can you cater for this?

Yes, we can cater for medically required dietary restrictions. When booking your retreat, please outline your dietary restrictions in the box provided, stating the severity of yourallergy/intolerance, and the particular foods to avoid.

Restricted diets can put extra strain on our cooking team, so you may be provided with quite simple meals each day.

What kind of food do you provide?

All our food is vegan. We provide two cooked meals a day, lunch and dinner, while for breakfast we offer toast and porridge as the cooked option. There are also various cereals to choose from, along with oat and rice cakes and multiple types of spread. Fruit is always available, as well as a large selection of tea and coffee.

Can’t afford this retreat?

Frequently asked questions