Annual Meditation Retreat: The bridge between Shamatha and Vipassana

Join us for our beautiful annual meditation retreat with Venerable Mary Reavey, which for the first time will be held at Land of Joy, FPMT Retreat centre in Northumberland, which is around a 30 minute drive from Newcastle

This retreat offers a journey into the close and complementary relationship between Shamatha (calm abiding) and Vipassana (insight). Together, these two practices form a bridge between cultivating a stable, balanced mind and uncovering the wisdom that sees reality as it truly is.

Guided by the clear and precise teachings of B. Alan Wallace, you will explore how Shamatha and Vipassana can be practiced in harmony to transform both meditation and daily life.

Whether you are just beginning your journey or are looking to deepen your meditation practice, this retreat offers a supportive environment to begin or continue your journey

About the Teacher - Venerable Mary Reavey

Born in Dundee, Scotland, Ven Mary was a staff nurse when she first encountered Buddhism at the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition’s mother monastery – Kopan – in Nepal in 1978. It was her love of adventure and trekking that led her to Kopan. Ven Mary attended a month-long course taught by Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa who emphasised the importance of meditation and taking complete responsibility for your own actions and their effects.

In 2001 Ven Mary took ordination as a nun with Lama Zopa Rinpoche, then until 2012 taught meditation and Buddhist philosophy at Jamyang Buddhist Centre Leeds, Buddhist centres in Preston, Liverpool and at Armley Prison, Dumfries Prison, Wakefield & Full Sutton, Leeds General Infirmary, St James’ Hospital and Wheatfields Hospice where she held regular meditation sessions. Ven Mary went on to take full Bikshuni ordination in 2015.

Over years Ven Mary has undertaken and led many meditation retreats. She completed a one year solitary retreat in 2014 and completes a three month personal retreat each year. She continues to regularly teach at Land of Joy, Jamyang Buddhist Centre Leeds, Jamyang Liverpool and in York

Shamatha – Training the Mind:

Shamatha is the practice of developing attention. By learning to place the mind on a chosen object—such as the breath—without distraction, agitation, or dullness, we refine and stabilise our awareness. This clarity of attention becomes the foundation for deeper practice.

Vipassana – Seeing Clearly:

Vipassana builds on the stability of Shamatha, applying the trained mind to direct enquiry. Through mindfulness and investigation, we will examine our lived experience in light of the Three Marks of Existence and the Four Applications of Mindfulness. This process opens the door to genuine insight, freedom, and a transformed way of relating to the world.

Who is it suitable for:

This retreat is suitable for anyone with an interest in meditation—whether you are new to the practices of Shamatha and Vipassana, or already have experience and want to deepen your understanding.

• Beginners will be guided step-by-step in developing stable attention and mindful enquiry.

• Those who are beginners and are seeking an overview of shamatha on the breath and its relationship to the nature of reality (Vipassana).

• Experienced meditators will refine their skills and open to deeper insights into the nature of reality.

• As the focus of this retreat is meditation, it isn’t recommended for those experiencing mental health difficulties.

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 Venerable Mary Reavey 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.

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.