A Mind Like a Still Forest Pool: Non-residential Weekend Retreat with Ajahn Brahm & Ajahn Canda

When the mind settles, everything shifts. This November weekend in Oxford offers you a rare opportunity to experience mental stillness not as an escape, but as a resourceful refuge—one that clarifies perception, sharpens wisdom, and builds genuine resilience for life's challenges. Drawing on Ajahn Chah's profound teaching of the still forest pool, A Mind Like a Still Forest Pool invites you to explore the transformative power of a calm, clear mind alongside two senior Theravada Buddhist teachers: the beloved Ajahn Brahm and Ajahn Canda.

Held at the Mercure Oxford Hawkwell House Hotel in the peaceful Iffley Village setting, this non-residential weekend retreat weaves together guided meditation, walking practice, Dhamma talks, and Sutta discussion. Whether you're new to meditation or deepening years of sitting practice, you'll find warmth, depth, and the gentle humor that characterizes authentic Theravada teaching. The River Thames towpath—just a ten-minute walk away—offers space for contemplative walking meditation, while the hotel's private gardens provide a quiet sanctuary for your practice.

What to Expect

Over the weekend, you'll settle into a rhythm of supported practice. Morning and evening sessions of guided meditation create the container for stillness, while walking practice grounds awareness in movement. Ajahn Brahm and Ajahn Canda offer Dhamma talks rooted in the Buddha's suttas—teachings delivered with warmth and clarity, woven through with humor that opens the heart. Between sessions, you have time for personal practice, tea, and reflection. This retreat is designed for the working practitioner: you attend sessions throughout the day and return home each evening. By the end, you'll carry a tangible experience of mental calm and a clearer sense of how stillness becomes both refuge and wisdom in daily life.

About the Artist

Ajahn Brahm is a British-American Buddhist monk and meditation teacher widely recognized for making Theravada Buddhist practice accessible to Western lay audiences. As leader of the Dhammakaya International Society of Australia, he brings decades of monastic training to clear, engaging teaching that bridges ancient wisdom and contemporary life. His warmth and accessible style have introduced thousands to the depth and practicality of Buddhist meditation.

Venue & Logistics

The retreat takes place at Mercure Oxford Hawkwell House Hotel in the Thames Room, located in Iffley Village near Oxford city center. The weekend runs Saturday, November 21, 2026. Please wear comfortable, modest clothing suitable for meditation and walking. The venue is easily accessible from Oxford and offers a serene setting among private gardens. Check-in details will be provided upon registration.