Being human includes feeling great and feeling pain; it’s intense. Given this, what kind of happiness is possible for us? The Buddha suggested that we have underestimated the capacity of our heart. Retreat helps us to remember.
Together we will explore how to cultivate freedom, happiness and contentment that are less reliant on things ‘going our way’ and develop resources that are available to us within the circumstances of our lives as they unfold.

Listen to one of Zohar Lavie's Talks from the Dharmalaya Silent retreat on 29.03.2017-: Emptiness, Self and Dependent Arising (Duration 50:33)
The teacher will be assisted by:

Retreat Code = 19157
A = suitable for all
Well-being guidelines - please click here to read before booking Before you book, please read these guidelines about mental well-being and silent retreats: Meditation retreats can be very nourishing; however, as they require sustained meditation practice, they also need some stability of psychological health. If you have recently (within the past year or so) experienced significant trauma or psychiatric illness, or if you are currently experiencing acute emotional distress such as serious depression or anxiety, it may not be the best time for you to participate in a retreat. The teachers might not be able to give you the kind of individual psychological care you need at this time. A setting with more opportunities for interpersonal engagement may be more appropriate.
Monday 26 August – Friday 30 August 2019 (4 nights)
Standard Rate: £236 - Please pay this rate if you canSponsor Rate: £283 - A benefactor rate, which helps others to come here on the Supported Rate
Supported Rate: £201 - Available if the Standard Rate is too high for you
FAB Fund Rate: £118 - For more details please see the Financial Assistance page
Young Persons Rate: £71 - For more details please see the Financial Assistance page
Extending Your Retreat = £54 per night – Conditions apply – please see box
- Arrive for registration between 2-5pm on the opening day.
- Depart after 12.30pm on the final day (or 1.30pm if staying for lunch).
- Please only make travel bookings to fit with these times.
- These conditions apply even if you've been to Gaia House before.
- The teachers and staff at Gaia House require this commitment in order to respect the retreat environment and minimise disruption to others.
- We are not able to accept bookings from people who want to arrive and/or depart outside of these times.