Sunyata Retreat Centre is nestled into a hill on a beautiful 10-acre property amidst the rolling scenery of East Clare in the west of Ireland. The Buddhist Centre offers meditation retreats and courses and welcomes those of all faiths. We have daily morning meditation, weekly Wednesday night meditations as well as full-day and multi-day residential retreats. It is also possible to stay at Sunyata for a few days to sample Buddhist community life. Currently, we are hosting what is termed a Vassa, or Rains Retreat, details of which can be found here.
Usually there is one residential retreat offered per month, led by an experienced monastic or lay meditation teacher.
There is a monthly Day of Mindfulness Meditation, based on the Buddha’s teachings. This is an opportunity to come and meditate with others for some or all of the day, and is held mostly in silence. Meditation guidance is given. Held on a Sunday.
Every month there is a day of meditation for women, the Women’s Day retreat.
Every month there is a meditation workshop especially for beginners, held on a Saturday afternoon from 3 to 5.
Please click here to see a gallery of pictures from in and around the centre.
Buddhism is a spiritual tradition that focuses on personal spiritual development and the attainment of a deep insight into the true nature of life. Buddhism teaches that all life is interconnected, so compassion is natural and important.
Buddhism is 2,500 years old. There are currently 376 million followers worldwide.
Buddhism arose as a result of Siddhartha Gautama’s quest for Enlightenment around the 6th century BCE. There is no belief in a personal God. It is not centred on the relationship between humanity and God.
The path to Enlightenment is through the practice and development of morality, meditation and wisdom. The two main Buddhist sects are Theravada Buddhism and Mahayana Buddhism, but there are many more.