Friday 21 February 2025 – Sunday 23 February at Retreat centre Abhayaloka
Join other young people (aged 16 to 35) interested in Buddhism and meditation for a weekend retreat in the countryside.
In the Buddhist tradition, serious practitioners have used the terrifying scene of cremation grounds as a way to get in touch with impermanence and confront existential dread. Apart from being an actual place, in Tantric Buddhism the cremation ground is seen essentially as an inner experience. Strong emotions such as hatred, jealousy and lack of self-confidence are crucial situations, which can open up a cremation ground for us – a place where our egos could die.
Over the weekend we will be investigating the cremation grounds of our own lives. What are the crucial situations in our lives? How do we face the challenging, and beautiful possibility of walking through the fire to transform ourselves? Is there joy to be found in the cremation ground?
On this retreat we’ll meditate together, have discussions with other young people, hear inspiring talks, and take care of each other by preparing meals together. There will be room for reflection as well – a retreat is a perfect opportunity to take some distance from everyday life.
Come along, whether you’re new to Buddhism and meditation, or have lots of experience!
The retreat is organized by young buddhists Veera and Linda, and our guest Ksantikara (UK). The language for this retreat will be English.
Ksantikara is 32 and currently lives in London where he is the chair of the North London Buddhist Centre. He has lived and worked in many communities within Triratna – recently he spent three years living in Adhisthana, supporting the Triratna young people’s project across Europe. Before that, he lived and worked at the London Buddhist Centre for 5 years. Ksantikara visits Finland a couple of times a year giving talks, leading retreats and getting to know the young people of Helsinki.
If you cannot afford to pay the full amount upfront, you can book now and pay in cash at the start of the retreat.
Already Paid a Deposit? Pay Balance Now| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 6:30 | Wake up |
| 7:00 | Meditation |
| 8:00 | Meditation |
| 9:00 | Breakfast |
| 10:30 | Introduction, group discussion, meditation |
| 13:00 | Lunch, then free time for walks etc. |
| 16:00 | Introduction, group discussion, meditation |
| 18:00 | Supper |
| 20:00 | Puja etc. ritual |
Guideline program for all retreats; the schedule may vary slightly based on the theme of the retreat.
Retreats generally start on the evening of the first day at 6 PM and end on the last day at 3 PM.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed at Abhayloka (with the exception of guide dogs).
This retreat is open to anyone aged 16-35, regardless of whether you are new to meditation or have lots of experience.
Please bring bed linens/sleeping bag and a towel with you. In winter, it’s a good idea to prepare with warm clothing. During the retreat, there is often an opportunity to go for a nature walk, so it’s advisable to have weather-appropriate clothing/shoes.
The retreat center has facilities for approximately 25 people. Accommodation is in rooms with 1 to 6 beds.
All food at the retreat is vegan, which we prepare together. In addition, cheese will be available for those who want it. We provide gluten-free crispbread and rice cakes, but if you want fresh gluten-free bread, please bring it with you.
Arrival by public transport:
Several buses come from Helsinki, departing from the Kamppi bus station. There are no direct connections at the moment. The travel time is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours. The stop to get off at is Järventaustan th, the third stop after the center of Läyliäinen. Abhayaloka is about 3 km from there towards Hevosoja, on the right side of the road, in a large yellow wooden house. You can inform us of your arrival time, and we will try to pick you up from that junction.
For people traveling from abroad there will be arrangements to travel together from Helsinki to Abhayaloka.
Arrival by car:
The retreat center is 67 km from Helsinki, 136 km from Tampere, 175 km from Turku, and 29 km from Riihimäki. There are parking spaces available for those arriving by car.
The retreat center operates in the old village school of Järventausta in Läyliäinen, Loppi, by the shores of Lake Loppi.
Abhayaloka
Triratna Buddhist Centre Helsinki Retreat Centre
Järventaustantie 816
12600 Läyliäinen
Tel. +358 50 318 8621
(Phone operational only during retreats)
Arrival by public transport:
Several buses come from Helsinki, departing from the Kamppi bus station. There are no direct connections at the moment. The travel time is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours. The stop to get off at is Järventaustan th, the third stop after the center of Läyliäinen. Abhayaloka is about 3 km from there towards Hevosoja, on the right side of the road, in a large yellow wooden house. You can inform us of your arrival time, and we will try to pick you up from that junction.
For people traveling from abroad there will be arrangements to travel together from Helsinki to Abhayaloka.
Arrival by car:
The retreat center is 67 km from Helsinki, 136 km from Tampere, 175 km from Turku, and 29 km from Riihimäki. There are parking spaces available for those arriving by car.
