Retreats
The most convenient day for me is a Saturday, but other days are also possible. If you wish to practise for an extended period, please send an email to the address below.
Meditators should expect to practise continuously without a break. However, even beginners can manage without too much difficulty as sitting is alternated with walking, interspersed with mindfulness of daily activities. As a preparation for retreats, make sure that you have read An Introduction to Meditation, Practical Insight Meditation, and Vipassanā Meditation Guidelines. If you want a more thorough theoretical knowledge I recommend reading In This Very Lilfe — an inspiring series of discourses by the Venerable Sayādaw U Paṇḍita, a leading exponent of the Mahāsi meditation method.
I hold longer sessions subject to demand. You need to bring your own packed lunch or buy a takeaway from one of the local fast-food outlets. There is off-street parking for one car. Cycles can be brought inside for safe-keeping.
A full day of continuous meditation practice is enough to gain fairly deep concentration. It provides a useful introduction to intensive meditation practice before embarking on a ten-day retreat.
Due to my advancing years and declining health, I no longer offer retreats for the entire day, but meditators are welcome to come and practise for several hours continuously.
How to Get Here
- By Car: If travelling East along Ilford High Road, turn left into St Albans Road after Seven Kings Station, or turn right into St Albans Road before Seven Kings Station if travelling West from Goodmayes. Turn left after Telegraph Mews into Cambridge Road. 34B is on the right, three houses from the end.
If coming from Eastern Avenue (A12) turn into Aldborough Road South then take the third left after Seven Kings Park into Meads Lane. Take the third right into Cambridge Road, and follow it to the end. Turn left to continue along Cambridge Road and 34 B is the third house on the left.
There is off-street parking — the middle bay is the best one to use. Reverse in, forward out, is the safest method. - By Train: Take the Great Eastern train from Liverpool Street (platforms 17/18) towards Shenfield, checking that it stops at Seven Kings. Turn left outside the station, cross Cameron Road taking the staircase to Farley Drive. At the end of Farley Drive turn right into Cambridge Road (do not go straight on, which is also part of Cambridge Road).
- By Bus: Take the 86 to Seven Kings and alight at Seven Kings Station. Walk a short distance to St Albans Road, pass Telegraph Mews, and turn left into Cambridge Road. 34B is at the end on the right.
- By Air: London City Airport is the closest. Take the Dockland Light Railway (DLR) to Stratford. From Stratford, take the Transport for London (TFL) Great Eastern rail service to Seven Kings station (15 mins), or the 86 Bus (about 48 minutes). Turn left outside the station, cross Cameron Road, taking the staircase to Farley Drive. At the end of Farley Drive turn right into Cambridge Road (do not go straight on, which is also part of Cambridge Road).