Overview of Session
DATE: Thursday 10th September to Sunday 13th September
TIME: 3pm - 5pm arrival on Thursday in time for supper at 6pm, teaching starts at 7pm/ Leave after lunch on Sunday
LOCATION: In person at Land of Joy FPMT Retreat Centre, Greenhaugh Hall, Greenhaugh. Hexham. Northumberland
NE48 1PP (around a 30 minute drive from Newcastle)
LEVEL: All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: Land of Joy Generosity Model
Retreat with Geshe Rinchen Wangyal: Emptiness in Everyday Life - Freedom through understanding
Join Geshe Rinchen, our residential teacher at Land of Joy, FPMT retreat centre in Northumberland, for a retreat exploring one of Buddhism’s most profound and liberating insights — emptiness.
Emptiness lies at the heart of the Buddha’s wisdom: the key to freedom from confusion and the source of genuine compassion. Over the course of this retreat, Geshe Rinchen will guide you through a step-by-step exploration of emptiness as presented in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, drawing inspiration from the works of great masters such as Je Tsongkhapa.
The retreat will focus on freeing ourselves from the notion of an inherent self…. a view deeply ingrained in our daily experience and the primary object of negation in realising emptiness.
‘I hope that this retreat will open students’ hearts to relate to emptiness in their everyday lives, helping them become freer and more compassionate. Through a balance of study, reflection, and meditation, you’ll have the opportunity to engage both intellectually and experientially with this essential teaching — discovering how understanding the dependent nature of reality can bring greater clarity, peace, and kindness into everyday life.’
About the Teacher - Geshe Rinchen Wangyal
Geshe Rinchen has dedicated his life to the study and practice of the Buddha’s teachings. He completed rigorous training in Buddhist philosophy, debate, and meditation, achieving the esteemed title of Geshe, the doctorate degree in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition.
His teachings are known for their clarity, warmth, and practical applicability, making profound topics accessible to students of all backgrounds.
Currently teaching at Jamyang Buddhist Centre Leeds, Geshe Rinchen combines his deep knowledge with genuine compassion, inspiring students to cultivate inner peace and wisdom in their own lives.
Exploring Emptiness
Exploring emptiness isn’t about losing meaning — it’s about discovering freedom.
When you begin to see through fixed ideas and mistaken appearances, life becomes lighter, more flexible, and more compassionate.
This retreat offers a chance to rest in a peaceful environment, to reflect deeply, and to cultivate insight guided by Geshe Rinchen’s gentle clarity and warmth.
You’ll return home with a clearer understanding of yourself and the world, and with tools to keep developing wisdom and compassion in everyday life.
Who is it suitable for:
This retreat is open to anyone with an interest in Buddhist wisdom and meditation.
Whether you’re new to the topic of emptiness or already familiar with Buddhist philosophy, you’re warmly welcome.
You may find this retreat especially meaningful if you:
Feel drawn to explore the deeper aspects of the Buddha’s teachings.
Wish to balance study with direct experience in meditation.
Appreciate teachings that are rooted in tradition yet relevant for modern life.
All that’s needed is curiosity, openness, and a sincere wish to deepen your understanding.
Donations:
Please donate generously within your means directly to Land of Joy.
Land of Joy works on a Generosity Model and provides all accommodation and food.
It is also recommended that you make a separate donation for the teacher Geshe Rinchen Wangyal through Land of Joy.
You can donate for both through Land of Joy’s website online or donate in cash at the retreat.
How to Register:
Booking is now open through Land of Joy’s website.