Details:

Date: Saturday 7th until Saturday 14th February 2026

Retreat Leader: Roy Sutherwood

Requirements: Everyone is welcome but it is most suitable to those who have some stability in their meditation practice.

Cost: Generosity Model – Donation only (via the donation form at the bottom of the page; no set amount). Land of Joy provides: All meals, accommodation, workshops, materials and good firewood for soulful nights.

Format: Onsite Only / Retreat begins: 7pm on the 7th February / Retreat ends: after lunch on 14th February

Recommended arrival: 3pm – 5pm 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 Retreat

Mahamudra, often translated as “the great seal”, is one of the most profound and direct paths within Tibetan Buddhism. It offers a way of recognising the true nature of mind, beyond concepts and elaborations, leading to deep inner freedom.

Land of Joy warmly welcomes back the much-loved annual Mahamudra retreat. In the dark winter days, join us to turn inward under the guidance of the experienced and kind-hearted teacher Roy Sutherwood. The retreat is open to both newer and more experienced meditators, and is most suitable for those with a little stability in meditation.

Each day will include short sessions of guided meditation, supported by mindful movement to help sustain focus without over-exhaustion. In the Tibetan tradition presented here, we begin by resting in the clarity and awareness of mind—like a mirror becoming self-aware—and gradually move towards recognising the mirror’s own emptiness.

This step-by-step approach offers a profound method to realise liberation and enlightenment.

What to Expect

  • Guided meditations introducing the stages of Mahamudra practice
  • Clear explanations of the view and approach to resting in awareness
  • Gentle mindful exercises woven into the retreat rhythm
  • Group discussions and opportunities to ask questions
  • Space for personal reflection and silence within supportive conditions

Retreat Boundaries

To help create the best conditions for Mahamudra practice, this retreat will be held within a supportive framework:

  • Silence – Silence will be observed outside of group sessions during some periods of the day to encourage calm and inward focus.
  • Technology-free space – You will be encouraged to switch off phones, laptops and other devices for the duration of the retreat, except for reading texts and other dharma related material.
  • Respecting the schedule – Participants are asked to attend all sessions on time, as consistency supports both personal practice and the group environment.
  • Mindful living – Meals and daily activities will be approached with awareness, becoming part of the retreat practice itself.

These boundaries are not restrictions but supports — creating a safe, focused space in which the mind can settle and deepen.

About the Teacher

Roy has been meditating for most of his life. FPMT recognised teacher and a former Director of Jamyang Buddhist Centre, London, Roy is well qualified to lead this retreat, having studied under masters of Buddhist philosophy and meditation for many years. He has taught meditation and other classes at Jamyang London and currently leads a regular weekly How to Meditate class there, facilitates the Tibetan Buddhism class at the Buddhist Society and is also a qualified teacher of secular mindfulness techniques.

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.