DiscussWorldIssues - Socio-Economic Religion and Political Uncensored Debate - View Single Post - Cost of retreats - spin off from Buddhist Org'ns thriving....'

**TimEricsson** · 12-30-2011, 05:47 AM

Hi JadeRabbit

I am so relieved to read your post and to see I am not the only person struggling with this one. I was all ready to go on the retreat - even booked the time off work - then saw the price! I can't justify spending that much to the non buddhist members of my family and there's no way I could persuade them to go with me at over a £1000 cost for a family. Such a shame.

I've struggled with all sorts of feelings too. The retreat is organised by the most lovely well meaning people, but I do wonder how they expect to attract anyone other than the already totally committed. It's possibly the most expensive retreat I've ever seen advertised.

We have a just above average income (which means we can just about pay the bills and will holiday cheaply in the UK this year!)

I've followed Thich Nhat Hanh for around ten years now and went on the Nottingham retreat 4 years ago. It was pricey then but not as high as this one. It was a truly wonderful experience but times are harder now so I sadly won't be able to go.

I feel guilty for saying this but as an "engaged" buddhism group, I wish the organisers would find ways to make the price of Thich Nhat Hanh's retreats more accessible - It's a shame if only the "usual suspects" will go when arguably those who could really benefit (ie those who are curious about trying a mindfulness retreat) may be excluded because of the cost.

Having said all this, if you think that Thich Nhat Hanh's mindfulness practise is your path then consider the financial sacrifice for what could be a life changing experience.

Whatever, I hope you find a retreat that suits you and nourishes your practise. Gaia house retreats are wonderful and less expensive. Or as other's have suggested there are many dana retreats run soley on donation basis.

Hi

I have an opportunity to go on a 6 day retreat led by Thich Nhat Hanh next year at Nottingham University. There's an expected 900 people going. Although I can get the money need to pay for it (being average white middle class (not what I would really call myself )), I still feel £450 is a high price to pay (this is for 'early bird' bookings, it goes up to £495 in Jan). There is also a sliding scale depending on circumstances, which is helpful to lower waged individuals.

It's brought up all sorts of thoughts and feelings for me; questioning benefit, anger, stinginess, acceptance, etc. I haven't decided whether I'm going to go yet, but I wondered what your thoughts on it are?

I understand venues and organisation cost money, but £450....really?

12-30-2011, 05:47 AM	#14
TimEricsson Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 341 Senior Member	Hi JadeRabbit I am so relieved to read your post and to see I am not the only person struggling with this one. I was all ready to go on the retreat - even booked the time off work - then saw the price! I can't justify spending that much to the non buddhist members of my family and there's no way I could persuade them to go with me at over a £1000 cost for a family. Such a shame. I've struggled with all sorts of feelings too. The retreat is organised by the most lovely well meaning people, but I do wonder how they expect to attract anyone other than the already totally committed. It's possibly the most expensive retreat I've ever seen advertised. We have a just above average income (which means we can just about pay the bills and will holiday cheaply in the UK this year!) I've followed Thich Nhat Hanh for around ten years now and went on the Nottingham retreat 4 years ago. It was pricey then but not as high as this one. It was a truly wonderful experience but times are harder now so I sadly won't be able to go. I feel guilty for saying this but as an "engaged" buddhism group, I wish the organisers would find ways to make the price of Thich Nhat Hanh's retreats more accessible - It's a shame if only the "usual suspects" will go when arguably those who could really benefit (ie those who are curious about trying a mindfulness retreat) may be excluded because of the cost. Having said all this, if you think that Thich Nhat Hanh's mindfulness practise is your path then consider the financial sacrifice for what could be a life changing experience. Whatever, I hope you find a retreat that suits you and nourishes your practise. Gaia house retreats are wonderful and less expensive. Or as other's have suggested there are many dana retreats run soley on donation basis. Hi I have an opportunity to go on a 6 day retreat led by Thich Nhat Hanh next year at Nottingham University. There's an expected 900 people going. Although I can get the money need to pay for it (being average white middle class (not what I would really call myself )), I still feel £450 is a high price to pay (this is for 'early bird' bookings, it goes up to £495 in Jan). There is also a sliding scale depending on circumstances, which is helpful to lower waged individuals. It's brought up all sorts of thoughts and feelings for me; questioning benefit, anger, stinginess, acceptance, etc. I haven't decided whether I'm going to go yet, but I wondered what your thoughts on it are? I understand venues and organisation cost money, but £450....really?
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