The Heart’s Inner Sun: Igniting the Bodhisattva Ideal

East Anglian Sub35 Winter Solstice Retreat

As the year reaches its longest night, we gather in the stillness of the winter solstice—a threshold moment to turn inward, gather around the fire of practice, and spark the return of the light.

At the core of the Buddhist tradition lies the radical figure of the Bodhisattva—an individual so moved by compassion that they dedicate their life to the freedom and awakening of all beings. Rather than turning away from darkness or suffering, the Bodhisattva steps directly into it, powered by a boundless, fiery devotion known as Bodhicitta—the heart’s inner sun.

Join young Buddhists from across East Anglia for a solstice weekend dedicated to stoking that inner fire. Set in the quiet, beautifully warm and minimalist surroundings of Vajrasana in the Suffolk countryside, this retreat is an opportunity to step out of the midwinter rush, recharge, and align with what matters most.

What to Expect

Through meditation, ritual, talks, and rich conversation, we’ll explore how the heroic Bodhisattva ideal can directly transform our modern lives and illuminate the darkest times of year.

Whether you regularly attend the Colchester Buddhist Centre, practice elsewhere in East Anglia, or are completely new to Triratna retreats, you are warmly invited to join us as the light returns.

The retreat will be led by Young Buddhist team leaders from Bury, Cambridge, Colchester, Mid Essex & Ipswich Buddhist Centres and is aimed at young Buddhists aged between 18-35 from across the East Anglia region.

Cost £150 waged / £100 low income

You will need to book in advance for this retreat. Prices include accommodation and vegan meals.

• Full Price £150
• Concession Price £100 (check Booking Policy)

The button opposite will take you to the booking page on the Colchester Buddhist Centre website.

Is this event suitable for me?

Yes. This retreat is open to all who are under 35 and familiar with our two core meditations.

What about food and accommodation?

Vajrasana is a stunning, modern, purpose-built retreat centre. Rooms are single-sex with two or three people in a room. There are very few single rooms for those with a clear medical need. The food is good, fresh, vegan and plentiful.

What should I bring?

You don’t need much. All bedding is provided and there are meditation mats, cushions and chairs in the shrine room. You may find it helpful to bring a notebook and pen and a watch/clock for an alarm as we encourage that mobile phones are switched off.