The Nichiren Buddhist Sangha of Greater New England offers weekend daylong and overnight retreats to help with the study and development of its Sangha members. These retreats are held at the Sangha meeting place in Haverhill Massachusetts every couple months. The retreats will vary in content and rotate on the calendar.

The Beginners retreats

are day long and focus on those who have not taken vows in the order or those who just wish to work on their knowledge and practice in basic Buddhist practice. The day includes study of basic Buddhist concepts and basic Nichiren Buddhist concepts. Buddhist etiquette is also presented. Beginners retreats are open to anyone who wishes to learn more about the Dharma and or Nichiren Buddhism. You must be registered to join a retreat. To register please sign on to meetup (see link below) and go to the event date or call / email Rev. Faulconer. (617-314-7782) Registration closes the weekend before the scheculded retreat, so register early.

Daylong Study retreat

We will focus on an aspect of the Lotus Sutra or Nichiren Shonin's guidance. Please check the calendar for the subject being discussed and read ahead. We will start in the morning with a service then enjoy learning, discussing and deepening our understanding of the Dharma. A vegetarian potluck lunch will be served. Everyone who registers is welcome to these study sessions. You must be registered to join a retreat. To register please sign on to meetup (see link below) and go to the event date or call / email Rev. Faulconer. (617-314-7782) Registration closes the weekend before the scheculded retreat, so register early.

The Intensive practice retreat

is a weekend of intense practice. Large portions of the Lotus Sutra are chanted along with prayers and prostrations. A special Sutra book which contains the whole Lotus Sutra in the Shindoku reading is needed for this retreat. The book is available at the Temple. This is a weekend of mostly focused practice with some study and lecture. Intensive retreats are open to anyone wanting to practice intensely, but beginners are asked to wait for a while of practice before attempting this kind of retreat. If your unsure please talk with Rev. Faulconer. You must be registered to join a retreat. To register please sign on to meetup (see link below) and go to the event date or call / email Rev. Faulconer. (617-314-7782) Registration closes the weekend before the scheculded retreat, so register early.

Lay Leaders retreats

are designed to help those wishing to be leaders in the Sangha and learn the practice and doctrine of Nichiren Shu. The weekend includes instruction on leading services in groups, basic Buddhist concepts, Nichiren Buddhist concepts and advanced Tendai concepts. Lay Leader retreats are only open to those who have taken Jukai (precepts) in our order. You must be registered to join a retreat. To register please sign on to meetup (see link below) and go to the event date or call / email Rev. Faulconer. (617-314-7782) Registration closes the weekend before the scheculded retreat, so register early.

Please see the calendar for retreats being offered at the Temple at this time.

*Over night retreats usually begin Friday night and go till Sunday afternoon. They are limited to size as the Temple can only accommodate a few people for this kind of practice. The limit currently is seven people. Sleeping is on the floor of the Hondo. It is helpful if you can bring a sleeping bag and your own pillow. The Temple does have some sheets and pillows available. Meals are included in the fee of $25 for overnight retreats. Showering facilities and towels are available. The Lotus Sutra (Murano version) and daily practice books (Dharma) are always available for purchase at the Temple.

If this kind of practice sounds good to you or if you have further questions please register by signing onto meetup (see link below) and go the the event date on the calendar or by calling (617-314-7782) or emailing Rev. Faulconer.

You may register for events at the Haverhill Buddhist Meetup Group site. Click on the meetup below to create your account. On the calendar click on the weekend retreat and click yes, you would like to register for the event. You can pay for the retreat on Meetup or bring the payment with you to the retreat. The Meetup service itself is free and is a good way to keep up with events at the Temple and with the Sangha.

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