This retreat each year commemorates the enlightenment of Shakyamuni Buddha, celebrated on the 8th December, Bodhi Day. It is the major retreat of the Amida year. This is the retreat at which ordinations are carried out and at which the giving and renewal of Buddhist refuges and precepts takes place. As the Amida School continues to grow this event becomes increasingly significant. For all who have a serious commitment to this approach to Buddhism this is the most important event. For those finding themselves attracted to our approach this is an opportunity to see and experience what is involved.

Programme
Friday Please arrive Friday evening if possible.
Saturday 8am-9am Practice; 9.15am Brunch; 10.15 Community Gathering;
12 Noon Beginning of Continuous Nembutsu Session. Chanting will continue for 24 hours with alternate sitting and walking.
Sunday 12 noon Completion of Continuous Nembutsu: Service;
12.40 Meal; Rest Period; 5pm Sunday Service; 6pm Meal.
Monday 10am Brunch;
11am Meetings 12.30pm Practice Session; 2.30pm Small Groups; 4.30pm Practice; 6pm Meal; 7pm Sutra Study Class.
Tuesday 7am-9.30am Practice; 10am Brunch; 11am Dharma Talk by Dharmavidya; 1pm Amida School Admission Ceremonies; 2.30pm Meetings; 4.30pm Practice Session; 6pm Meal; 8pm Evening Service.
Wednesday 7am-9.30am Practice; 10am Brunch;
11am Dharma Talk;
1.00pm Renewal of Vows & Commitments Ceremony; 2.30pm Small Groups; 4.45pm Service; 6pm Meal; 8pm Evening Service.
Thursday 7am-9.30am Practice; 10am Brunch;
11am Seminar; 1.30pm Practice Session; 4pm Small groups;
6pm Meal; 7pm Meditation & Relaxation Session.
Friday - Enlightenment Day 6am-9.30 Practice; 10am Brunch;
11am Dharma Talk; 12.30pm Practice; & Order Meeting; 3.30pm School Meeting; 6pm Meal; 8pm Evening Service.
Saturday 6am-9.30 Practice; 10am Brunch;
11am Ordination Ceremony;
12 noon Gathering; 1pm Meal & Celebration.
3.15pm Certifictes & Gifts (see below); Closing Ceremony
4.15pm End of Retreat


Further Information
• The core practice of the Amida-shu is nembutsu, which is the verbal recitation of the Buddha's name in the form “Namo Amida Bu” following the tradition of Japanese Pureland Buddhism from Honen (1133-1212). During the Continuous Nembutsu Session on the first weekend of the retreat you are invited to participate as much as you are able. This is an opportunity to experience the healing and inspiring effect of extensive nembutsu practice.
• Admission to the Amida School is open to persons who have been associated with the School and its practice for more thn a year, for whom this is their main or co-equal religious affiliation, and who wish to take refuge in the Other Power approach to Buddhadharma. If you are considering this step, please discuss it with either Reverend Sujatin or one of the Amitarya members of the Amida Order beforehand.
Admission to the Amida Order requires preparation and aforethought and is, as a general rule, open only to people who are already Amida School members or those who are seeking ordination.
• The retreat is open to people who are not members of the School or Order and all are welcome, whether Buddhist or not. If you come simply with a view to experiencing what this spiritual community is like, that is perfectly good, so long as you are happy to join in.
• At the final ceremony, those lay persons present who have kept the whole retreat receive certificates and those present who have kept three or more days of the retreat receive a small gift. Participants may also offer gifts to the temple or to one another if they wish.
• For travel details, practicalities and costs of staying at The Buddhist House please follow this link.