Scholars Retreat | What do we know about the historical Buddha?
24 – 31 JUL | led by Dhivan and Śraddhāpa
Pioneering Western scholars of Buddhism in nineteenth-century Europe proposed that the Buddha was a historical figure – a human being who attained Awakening and then had a long career teaching the Dharma. But Buddhist texts present the Buddha as a wonder-working superman with awesome powers. So to what degree is the figure of the Buddha actually historical? On this retreat we will study ancient discourses and modern scholarship to come to an informed view about the Buddha.
The retreat will involve the study of Buddhist texts and modern scholarship, and will include meditation and puja.
Reception is from 4pm on the day of arrival, with the retreat beginning with supper at 6pm.
While you’re here you will be participating in communal life. This includes meditating with everyone on site in the main shrine room in the morning, taking part in daily tasks and at the end of your retreat you will help us to prepare the retreat centre for the next group to join us.
With this in mind, the retreat will finish after the clear-up, so if travelling on public transport, please book a train after 11am.
For: Order Members and Mitras
Start date: 24th Jul 2026
End date: 31st Jul 2026
कार्यक्रमाचा प्रकार: निवासी
किंमत: Standard £335 | Concession £265 | Financial Assistance £210
Please note that the payment includes a non-refundable and non-transferrable deposit of £75.
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