Events and Activities
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Retreats
Retreats are an excellent opportunity to deepen your meditation practice and enjoy the company of other people who are exploring the Buddha's teachings. The structure of retreats gives ample time for meditation, reflection and relaxation. Our weekend retreats usually begin at around 6pm on the Friday evening and finish midday on the Sunday. Booking is essential. Please print a booking form and return it to us with your deposit no later than one week prior to the start of the retreat. Cost for weekend retreats: $240/190/120 - you choose what you can afford to pay.

Open Retreats - all welcome
Breath by Breath. Mindfulness while watching the breath - an introduction. 20-22 March (at Sudarshanaloka Retreat Centre, Thames).
Moving Stillness - a zen-style meditation retreat. 29 May - 1 June (at Awhitu Environmental camp).
You're going to die, don't panic. 14-16 August (at Sudarshanaloka Retreat Centre, Thames).
Breath by Breath. Mindfulness while watching the breath - an introduction. 20-22 Nov (at Sudarshanaloka Retreat Centre, Thames).

Sangha Retreats - for those familiar with our practices
Opening the Heart - exploring the Brahma Viharas. 9-13 April (at Awhitu Environmental camp).
The Truth of the Moment - an introduction to interpersonal meditation. 17-19 July (at Bella Rakha Retreat Centre, Oratia)

Family Retreat
Family activities, time to meditate and space for relaxation with the whole family.
1 January to 4 January
Cost (excluding food): adults $60, children $30. Contact us to book.

Men's Retreats
22-24 May
16-18  October
both will held at Sudarshanaloka Retreat Centre near Thames:

Sudarshanaloka offers its own retreat programme, available here.

Urban Juice-ups
Non-residential city-based 'retreats' at the Auckland Buddhist Centre, to suit those who find it hard to get away for a weekend. These 'retreats' aim to build confidence and regularity in your meditation practice as well as emphasizing taking practice into everyday life. Cost $50. These events run for six days as follows:
Sunday 1pm-4pm: teaching, discussion and meditation practice
Monday-Friday 6.30am: meditation followed by breakfast at 7.30am
Saturday 10am: optional meditation with regular Saturday group.
1-6 Feb
19-25 April
13-18 Sept
13-18 Dec

International FWBO Urban Retreat
Join this special event running simultaneously at FWBO Centres around the world. 20-28 June.  More information here.

2009 Festivals
Parinirvana Day
Commemorates the Buddha's attainment of full and complete nirvana upon passing away.
Monday 16 February

FWBO Day
we celebrate the founding of the Friends of the Western Buddhist Order 41 years ago.
Monday 6 April

Buddha Day
celebrates the Enlightenment of the Buddha.
Sunday 10 May

Dharma Day
celebrates the occasion of the first teaching by the Buddha and the subsequent unfolding of the vast riches of his Dharma.
Sunday 5 July

108-year puja
celebrates the Birthday and long-life of our founder Urgyen Sangharakshita.
Monday 24th August

Padmasambhava Day
celebrates the iconic tantric guru, the lotus-born one who established the dharma in Tibet.
Monday 28 September

Sangha Day
celebrates the spiritual community and friendships of the followers of the Buddha.
Sunday 1 November

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