"Retreat' has the connotation of 'withdrawing' and signifies that on retreat we withdraw from ordinary activities, especially ordinary speech and ordinary minds, and focus on contemplating and meditating on meaningful objects. In this way we try to mix our mind with the objects we have been taught at a deeper level,

Imagine then, the impact of focusing like this with hundreds of others who are doing the same. When we do group retreat at the Festival, with so many other meditators in the sessions we experience a tremendous buoyancy in our mind so that whenever it wanders we can quickly and easily refocus on the object.

And outside of the sessions too we benefit from the power of our fellow-retreaters to keep us focused on the practices of subsequent attainment. On these retreats our mind mixes more readily with the instructions and stays focused for longer, leaving a deep impression that stays with us long after we return to our normal daily life.

Little wonder then that for many their Festival experience is not complete without the opportunity to engage in some retreat, either during the Festival or after the Festival.. or both.

Its not too late to book for the post Summer Festival retreats, either online or at the stalls outside the main door at the Festival.