Ajahn Brahm & Ajahn Candā: 8-Day Residential Retreat — The Bliss of Enlightenment

Imagine eight days of unraveling—not through striving or self-improvement, but through the gentle art of letting go. This residential retreat with Ajahn Brahm and Ajahn Candā invites you into the heart of early Buddhist practice, where the path to lasting peace is paved not with ambition, but with the gradual refinement of wholesome happiness. Set on the tranquil grounds of Gaunts House in rural Wimborne, Dorset, surrounded by woodland and lake views, this is a rare opportunity to practise under the guidance of two teachers who bring over seventy years of combined monastic experience—and a gift for making ancient wisdom feel alive and accessible to modern seekers.

Rather than asking "How do I improve myself?", this retreat asks a deeper question: "What happens when I let go?" Through the lens of the Noble Eightfold Path and the Buddhist concept of vossagà (letting go), you'll discover a happiness independent of external circumstances. With Ajahn Brahm's warmth and clarity, alongside Ajahn Candā's seasoned presence, the teachings unfold naturally, creating conditions for insight to arise—not through force, but through the patient cultivation of virtue and wisdom.

What to Expect

You'll move through a carefully structured rhythm of silent meditation, guided practice, dharma talks grounded in the Buddhist suttas, and intimate question-and-answer sessions with both teachers. Each day balances collective practice with generous personal meditation time and rest, honouring both the need for instruction and the need for inner listening. The retreat atmosphere is unhurried and supportive—this is not a boot camp but a sanctuary for deepening your practice. You'll leave with a clearer understanding of how the Noble Eightfold Path applies to daily life, concrete tools for letting go, and a direct experience of the peace that emerges when the mind settles into stillness.

About the Artist

Ajahn Brahm is a British-American Buddhist monk and internationally respected meditation teacher who leads the Dhammakaya International Society of Australia. Known for his ability to make Theravada Buddhist practice accessible to Western lay audiences, Ajahn Brahm has spent decades translating ancient teachings into language and metaphors that resonate with contemporary seekers, without diluting their depth or authenticity.

Venue & Logistics

Gaunts House Retreat Centre in Wimborne, Dorset, provides an ideal setting for deep practice—quiet, spacious, and nestled in nature. The retreat begins Friday, November 13, 2026. Participants stay on-site in residential accommodation. Bring comfortable clothing suitable for meditation and the English countryside; the centre provides all meals, which are vegetarian and mindfully prepared to support your practice.