The refuge tree is a central symbol of the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha within our tradition and within Vajrayana Buddhism. It represents the Three Jewels via an array of figures and texts, including teachers of past and present, Buddhas, Bodhisattvas and Arahants.
According to a talk given by Sangharakshita in 1971, the refuge tree vividly and concretely represents the refuge ‘in its historical background, in its universal perspective and its immediate practical application.’ It is, therefore, one of the richest and most complex symbols in Buddhism – one ‘that would repay the study of a lifetime’.
As well as studying it on this retreat, we will be visualising it as part of the Going for Refuge and Prostration Practice that is taught to men training for ordination.
Details and Timings
The retreat starts with dinner on the first day at 6:30pm and finishes on the final day at 10.00am.
Health and Hygiene
It is vital that you don't come on retreat if you have any symptoms of Covid-19, including a cough, loss or change of smell or taste, a temperature, or any other cold or flu-like symptoms; or if you have been in contact with anyone who has within the past 14 days.
We ask that you take two Lateral Flow Test, one 48 hours before arrival and a second within 24 hours of the retreat starting.
If you haven't taken one by the time you arrive at Padmaloka, we will ask you to do one upon arrival and you will have to wait for the result before entering the buildings.
You can order them free from the UK Government here: Lateral Flow Tests, or from most pharmacies.
We will be observing enhanced hygiene protocols during the retreat, details of which you can find in our Padmaloka Risk Assessment, which is accessible from the Coming on Retreat page.
We will be taking every measure we can to prevent the spreading of Covid-19 during retreats, but despite this, there will remain a risk to those who attend; please consider this when coming on retreat.
If you are unable to attend the retreat due to illness or local lockdown measures then your booking can be transferred to the online aspect of the retreat, or to a future retreat.
Banner and thumbnail image: cropped painting by Aloka © from Padmaloka
