Details:

Where: At Land of Joy

Format: Onsite – Joining teachings online from the gompa at Land of Joy followed by local nature based activities. Online – participation in the morning sessions only. Nature based activities & discussions in the afternoon will not be facilitated online.

Facilitators: Various online & Paul Wielgus onsite

Attendance: Flexible with whole weekend or single day attendance.

Cost: Generosity Model – Donation only (via the donation form at the bottom of the page; no suggested amount).

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 with two-four people sharing rooms and only one single room (which is sometimes needed by volunteers). This means single accommodation can only be offered to those who need it the most, but still won’t always be available. Camping can be an option at certain times of year if you have your own tent, but space is very limited. Please read the relevant sections of the booking form carefully.

About the Retreat

“It is a crisis of mind,” observes Serkong Tsenshab Rinpoche about our planetary challenges. “And we have the power of Dharma, which gives us the methods to develop the mind and work at the root of the problem.”

This September 27-28, Land of Joy joins Buddhist centers across Europe for the FPMT Planetary Crises Summit 2025, exploring how ancient wisdom can guide us through modern challenges.

The Journey – Saturday: “Resilient to be” – cultivating inner strength to face our troubled world with wisdom. Sunday:“Empowered to act” – discovering how communities become refuges for positive change.

Morning sessions connect us online with renowned teachers including Ven. Amy Miller, Andy Wistreich, and Paula Chichester. Afternoons bring teachings home through walking meditations in Land of Joy’s countryside and woodlands.

Why Attend at Land of Joy? What makes this weekend distinctive is our commitment to learning from the Earth itself. Planetary healing begins with remembering our deep interconnection with the natural world which surrounds Land of Joy.

The weekend welcomes whole weekend or single day attendance. Whether exploring Buddhist climate responses or simply curious about meditation in nature, engage at your own pace.

Together, our community can become a beacon of light.

About the Online Contributors 

Serkong Tsenshab Rinpoche

Described by His Holiness the Dalai Lama as “one of the most precious Dharma teachers of the new generation”

Ven Amy Miller
American Buddhist teacher, hospice guide, and interfaith leader with extensive experience in integrating the dharma into daily life

Ven Losang Gendun
Dutch Buddhist teacher, longer-term meditator, and fonder of the Buddha Project

Andy Wistreich
British eco-dharma teacher, XR Buddhists and Dharma activist

Paula Chichester
American former field conservation biologist and university teacher, Buddhist teacher and long-term meditator

David Midgley
British eco-dharma teacher and bridge builder between the FPMT (Tibetan tradition) and the tradition of Thich Nhat Hahn

About the Onsite Facilitator

Paul weaves together Buddhist wisdom, mindfulness, and Eco-Dharma practices like Joanna Macy’s ‘Work That Reconnects’ with the gentle skill of someone who has walked the dharma path for nearly 30 years.

With a Masters in Action Inquiry and Sustainability, MBSR teacher training, and studies in Secular Dharma with Stephen Bachelor, Paul has brought mindfulness and sustainability to organizations across Europe, USA and Africa.

Paul is passionate about facilitating our connection with nature, believing deeply in its regenerative and nourishing power. His friendly, informal style always makes space for the possibility of joy – because as he demonstrates, joy is always possible!

He lives in Somerset with his partner Ros (a beloved familiar face at Land of Joy) and their wonderfully unruly Persian cat, Oliver.

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 Facilitator…

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.