The Vajra and the Bell: Discovering our Innate Confidence

This retreat is suitable for those who have a regular meditation practice and who regularly attend retreats, a centre or a group within the context of the Triratna Buddhist Community. You will also need to be familiar with, and happy to participate in, Triratna Buddhist devotional practice and ritual (puja), be comfortable with extended periods of sitting meditation and the possibility on some retreats of periods spent in silence.

“The meaning of devotion is that again and again we trust that the moment is enough; not under prepared or over prepared, but available. This makes us very soft because we start to trust… There isn't anything to do except move into the situation.”   James Low

Unlock the potential of your everyday life through the teachings of Buddhism. This retreat is designed to cultivate a deep-seated confidence in our true nature and inherent ability to awaken. We’ll emerge confident that our everyday lives are full with opportunities for deep insight and inquiry.

The Vajra symbolises reality—it's ‘the facts,’ it’s what is. When we fully open ourselves to our actual experience, without ignoring or attempting to correct it, we create a magical space where something new can unfold.

The Bell symbolises wisdom or awakening. It signifies the awakening to a reality that is ever-present, here and now. This awakening is not a distant goal but a profound shift in our perception that can occur in the simple moments of daily life.

The retreat will combine meditation and insight inquiry with discussion and creative rituals. As the week goes on we’ll move more and more into silence. These practices help us recognise the opportunities for insight that exist in every moment. By developing a fundamental confidence in ourselves and our ability to awaken, we can transform our lives and the world around us.

Vajradarshini is known for her down to earth approach to Dharma practice. She draws widely on the Buddhist tradition and on contemporary art and culture, weaving them together to create engaging and enjoyable retreats. You can expect a week of reflection and meditation, with some long periods of silence.

For more information on Vajradarshini: (https://www.redladderstudio.com/)

Covid-secure requirements

We are no longer asking each retreatant to take a lateral flow test before travelling to Rivendell, but we are asking that they bring a test with them in case they fall ill whilst here.

We want those that come to Rivendell to be confident that we are making their stay here as safe as possible.

Concession information

Rivendell has a concessionary rate available for most of its retreats. If you are in need of further financial assistance to help enable you to come on retreat here, please do consider writing to our office team via bookings@rivendellretreatcentre.com explaining your circumstances.

Cancellation policy

All deposit amounts are non-refundable and non-transferable in all circumstances. 

If you wish to cancel your place on a retreat, we require a minimum notice of 4 calendar weeks before a retreat is due to take place.

If you cancel more than 6 calendar weeks before a retreat is due to take place you will receive a refund of all but the deposit amount, if you have paid in full.

If you cancel between 6 and 4 calendar weeks before the retreat is due to take place and we can't replace you, you will be required to pay half the total cost of the retreat.

If you cancel less than 4 calendar weeks before the retreat is due to take place then any refund will be at Rivendell’s discretion, depending on the circumstances.

Please let us know as soon as possible if you need to cancel, as there may be other people waiting for a place on the retreat to become available. The refund amount will still depend on whether we can fill your space.

Retreat Leaders: 
Vajradarshini
Date: Friday, March 14, 2025 to Friday, March 21, 2025

Prices for this event are: £399 - £379 (Conc)

Selected Price: 
£399.00