Group Retreats are the best way to learn to practice the sacred Buddhist teachings. You join other students in gaining vital experience in a nurturing and supportive environment under the guidance of a qualified teacher.
Group retreats vary in length and focus. They can last from a few days to several weeks and cover a wide variety of topics ranging from meditation techniques, to philosophical and epistemological investigation, to ethics. Some cover an array of topics or skills and some focus on just one.
Some group retreats are better for beginners and some are better for more advanced students.
Engaging in Group Retreat has many unique benefits:
Direct feedback and guidance on your practice
Authoritative answers to questions as they arise
Discussion and sharing of experiences and ideas
Extra stamina and momentum from a shared group dynamic
Increased confidence in your own ability and skill in the practice
Meeting like-minded individuals
Group retreats offer an excellent environment for learning a technique or topic thoroughly. We are then able to apply our new knowledge to our home practice and our daily lives. Later, when we are ready, we can take our practice to an even deeper level with a personal retreat.