Details:

Date: Friday 30th October – Sunday 1st November

Retreat Leader: Ven Mary Reavey

Requirements: Everyone is welcome

Cost: Generosity Model – Donation only (by clicking the ‘Donate Here’ button below). Land of Joy provides: All meals, accommodation, workshops, materials and good firewood for soulful nights.

Format: Onsite only / Retreat begins: 7pm on the 30th October / Retreat ends: 4pm 1st November

Recommended arrival: 3pm – 5pm on the 30th October to join for supper and get settled into the space

Accommodation: Land of Joy wishes for everyone who visits the centre to feel welcome, accepted, safe and secure. Our accommodation options are very limited, with mostly single-sex shared accommodation and a very limited number of single rooms. Single accommodation can therefore only be offered on a priority basis. Please read the relevant sections of the booking form carefully.

About the Weekend

Tibetan Buddhism is a rich spiritual tradition that combines philosophical teachings, meditation practices, and ways of living with compassion and wisdom. It offers practical guidance for understanding the mind, working with emotions, and developing clarity, kindness, and insight.

This weekend retreat is a short introduction, designed for anyone curious about Tibetan Buddhism who wants to learn a little and see if they would like to explore further. You’ll touch on foundational Buddhist concepts such as bodhicitta (the mind of awakening), wisdom, ethical conduct, karma, the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, rebirth, impermanence, death and dying, and taking refuge in the Three Jewels.

No prior experience is needed — you can come simply curious and see how these teachings resonate with you.

What Will Be Offered

During the weekend you will:

  • Learn core Tibetan Buddhist concepts in a clear and approachable way.
  • Take part in guided meditations to help you connect the teachings with your own experience.
  • Have opportunities for discussion and Q&A, allowing you to bring your questions and curiosity about the Buddhist path.
  • Enjoy time for reflection, giving you space to consider how these ideas relate to your life.

The weekend will be led by Ven. Mary, who has extensive experience studying and practicing Tibetan Buddhism and will guide participants with clarity and warmth.

Who is the Retreat For?

This retreat is for anyone who wants to:

  • Get a short introduction to Tibetan Buddhism, learning the basics in a gentle and welcoming setting.
  • Learn how meditation can support understanding and develop the mind.
  • Ask questions and discuss the Buddhist path with an experienced teacher.
  • Reflect on life’s big questions, such as karma, rebirth, and how to cultivate kindness and clarity.
  • For those who have studied buddhism and would like to reconnect/receive a reminder of lam rim topics this would be useful.

It is for anyone who would like to take a first step into Tibetan Buddhism, explore its teachings, and see if they would like to learn more — all in a friendly, engaging, and practical way.

Why Attend?

By joining this weekend, you’ll have the chance to:

  • Discover core Buddhist ideas and see how they can be relevant to your life.
  • Try meditation practices in a supportive, structured setting.
  • Explore compassion and wisdom through both practice and discussion.
  • Connect with others who are also curious about the path.
  • Step back from everyday distractions, giving yourself space to pause, reflect, and notice what resonates with you.

Ven Mary Reavey

Born in Dundee, Scotland, Ven Mary was a staff nurse when she first encountered Buddhism at the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition’s mother monastery – Kopan – in Nepal in 1978. It was her love of adventure and trekking that led her to Kopan. Ven Mary attended a month-long course taught by Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa who emphasised the importance of meditation and taking complete responsibility for your own actions and their effects.

In 2001 Ven Mary took ordination as a nun with Lama Zopa Rinpoche, then until 2012 taught meditation and Buddhist philosophy at Jamyang Buddhist Centre Leeds, Buddhist centres in Preston, Liverpool and at Armley Prison, Dumfries Prison, Leeds General Infirmary, St James’ Hospital and Wheatfields Hospice where she held regular meditation sessions. Ven Mary went on to take full Bikshuni ordination in 2015.

Over years Ven Mary has undertaken and led many meditation retreats. She completed a one year solitary retreat in 2014 and completes a three month personal retreat each year. She continues to regularly teach at Land of Joy, Jamyang Buddhist Centre Leeds, Jamyang Liverpool and in York.

A Way to Say Thank You

To Land of Joy…

Our generosity model means we do not charge for any teachings, accommodation or food. We are therefore 100% dependant on donations to help us cover our £90,000 a year running costs.

You are therefore invited to give what you can as a thank you for the organisation and hosting of the retreat, including the food and accommodation provided if you stayed onsite.

You may also like to make a regular contribution to the centre by becoming a Branch of Joy. This kind of support gifts us a steady and ongoing income, which in turn provides the confidence and means for us to continue to flourish for many years to come.

Everything given will ensure Land of Joy continues to be offered as a precious place for retreat.

To The Teacher…

Teachers and retreat leaders practice generosity by freely offering their time to Land of Joy. We cover their travel expenses but do not pay them for the teachings they give.

You are therefore invited to make an offering to the teacher as a thank you for the time and knowledge they share.

To The Volunteers…

Our retreats are supported by our wonderful team of volunteers, some of whom you will meet during your time at the centre. Those who live onsite offer their time, expertise and dedication in return for food and accommodation. They do not receive a wage or stipend. Unfortunately, we are only able to accept offerings for them in cash, so if you would like to thank them for their service, please do so by bringing cash with you to the centre and placing it in the volunteer collection pot.