During this retreat you will be guided step by step through the practice of shamatha in a supportive and structured way. The programme includes:

• Teachings on the stages of shamatha and their application in daily practice

• Many short (24-minute) meditation sessions to steadily train attention

• Opportunities for reflection, Q&A, and group discussion

• Guidance based on B. Alan Wallace’s book The Attention Revolution — participants are encouraged to review or bring a copy

The retreat will be led by Ven. Mary, who has trained extensively with Lama Alan Wallace, including long retreats and a one-year solitary retreat on Holy Island under his guidance.

This retreat is suitable for anyone interested in cultivating a stable and clear mind through the practice of shamatha. It is designed to be accessible to people at all levels of experience, whether you are just beginning or already have an established meditation practice.
It may be particularly meaningful for those who are:

• New to meditation, looking for structured guidance to learn how to focus attention and calm the mind.

• Practitioners seeking depth, wishing to stabilise and strengthen an existing practice with step-by-step techniques.

• Those who are curious about use shamatha as a foundation for compassion and insight, developing a steady mind that allows kindness, clarity, and understanding to flow into both meditation and everyday life.

• Interested in supportive community, wanting to learn alongside others and share insights in a respectful, encouraging environment.

Why Attend?

Shamatha offers a way to stabilise attention, cultivate calm, and explore the mind with clarity. This retreat provides guidance and a supportive environment for both newcomers and those with prior practice

• Try out practical meditation methods

• Cultivate calm and focus

• Explore shamatha as a base for compassion and insight

• Practice in community,

• Step away from distractions, enjoying the peaceful surroundings of Land of Joy to focus and reflect.

• As the focus of this retreat is meditation, it isn’t recommended for those experiencing mental health difficulties.

This retreat is a chance to begin exploring shamatha, deepen existing practice, and see what works for you — progress comes through engagement, curiosity, and gentle effort.

To help create the best conditions for meditation 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.

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.