Seven-Day Retreat at Broughton Sanctuary

This is a seven-day non-dual meditation retreat with Rupert Spira at Broughton Sanctuary, near Skipton in North Yorkshire. It is for people drawn to the non-dual understanding, the Advaita Vedanta-rooted teaching that points to the peace of our own being. Days are spent in guided meditation, open dialogue, shared meals and quiet time in the countryside. It suits anyone interested in the teaching, and the retreat also welcomes those who simply want to meet old friends in a kind and beautiful setting.

What to Expect

The retreat runs from a Sunday evening arrival to a Sunday departure. Check-in is between 4:00 and 6:00pm (no earlier than 4pm), followed by dinner and a first guided meditation from 7:45 to 9:00pm.

From Monday to Saturday the days keep a steady rhythm:

- Guided meditation, 7:30 to 8:30am
- Breakfast, 8:30 to 9:30am
- Guided meditation, 11:30am to 12:30pm
- Lunch, 1:00 to 2:00pm
- Meditation and dialogue, 4:30 to 6:30pm
- Dinner, 6:30 to 7:30pm

In the meditations, you rest in being, as being. In the dialogues, Rupert and the group explore the non-dual understanding together. Evenings are left open, and the organizer mentions relaxing with friends, watching a film or sharing poetry and music.

On the final Sunday there is breakfast without meditation from 8:00 to 9:00am, and rooms are vacated before 10:00am. A last meditation and dialogue runs from 10:00am to 12:00pm, lunch follows, and everyone departs by 2:00pm.

A livestream is also planned for those who cannot attend in person. It covers the main guided meditations and dialogues, with two dialogue sessions open to questions for Rupert over Zoom. Sessions are recorded for replay.

About Rupert Spira

Rupert Spira is a meditation teacher whose work centers on Advaita Vedanta, the nondual philosophy rooted in Indian classical thought, together with the integration of Sufi devotional practice. Born in London, he encountered the poetry of Rumi in 1975 at the age of fifteen, which opened the door to the mystical and contemplative traditions he has explored for five decades.

Shortly afterwards he learned the Mevlevi Turning at Colet House in London, a Sufi practice that combines movement, prayer and meditation. He went on to meet Dr. Francis Roles, a student of Shantananda Saraswati, the Shankaracharya of the North of India. His approach brings together the direct-path inquiry of Advaita and the heart-centered practice of the Mevlevi order, founded by followers of Rumi.

The Setting

Broughton Sanctuary sits within a 2,500-acre estate at the foothills of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, just outside the market town of Skipton. This is the first retreat held here. The grounds include woodland trails, wild swimming spots and a nature recovery project spanning heather moorland, meadow and river. Guests can also use Avalon, the on-site wellbeing centre, which has a fitness suite, pool, sauna and steam facilities.

Rooms are in the historic Broughton Hall and in the Retreat Houses across the estate. Options are en-suite singles, singles sharing a bathroom with one other guest, and twin or double rooms. Twin rooms are allocated by gender, and friends can ask to be paired. Shared dormitories are also planned, with details to follow.

All meals are organic and plant-based, three a day. Vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free choices can be selected when booking. Other dietary needs should be checked with the organizer first, as not every special diet can be guaranteed.

The estate is 42 miles from Manchester and 2 miles west of Skipton on the A59. Skipton station is a 10-minute drive away, with taxis at the station, and trains from London Kings Cross take around three hours with one change at Leeds. Leeds Bradford Airport is 24 miles away, Manchester Airport 55 miles, and Liverpool John Lennon Airport 76 miles.

Before You Go

The retreat is open to all levels, and no prior meditation experience is stated as a requirement. It is held in English. Included are the meditation and dialogue sessions, three meals a day and accommodation in the on-site rooms. Travel to and from Broughton Sanctuary is not included. Check-in is only possible between 4:00 and 6:00pm on the arrival day.