Marpa House

Marpa House Buddhist Retreat and Meditation Centre is dedicated to the advancement of Tibetan Buddhism. Established in 1973 by the Venerable Lama Chime Rinpoche, the centre is now run by the Dharma Trust. Here is the opportunity to learn and practise the oral transmissions of the Karma Kagyu tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. This tradition is based on the teachings of the four great masters Tilopa, Naropa, Marpa and Milarepa. They developed the system of meditation known as Mahamudra, which has been passed down to the teachers and students of today.

Marpa House is in a rural location near Saffron Walden, on the border of Essex and Cambridgeshire and is very convenient for those coming from London and the South East of England. Any visitor interested in Buddhism is welcome and can stay in the warm and reassuring atmosphere of the House. For those who have the background and seek a deeper meditative experience, the Retreat Wing provides a place of serious spiritual purpose. Before starting such a retreat you should have a letter of recommendation from your own teacher of Buddhism.

The House has a daily routine of meditation sessions and pujas (chanting, prayers and silent meditation) which all visitors are expected to attend. To preserve the tranquil atmosphere, newspapers and electronic devices such as radios, computers and mobile phones are not allowed.

Open:

All year, everyone welcome.

Accommodation:

Dormitories and double rooms in the main house. The Retreat Wing has only single rooms. On a ‘full retreat’, in the Retreat Wing, your time is spent in complete solitude with meals brought to your room.

Facilities:

Library/tea room, dining room, meditation room, large pleasant garden and small shop selling Buddhist books and Tibetan art.

Disabled access:

Limited in main house, none in the Retreat Wing.

Spiritual help:

Monthly silent meditation sessions led by senior students of Lama Chime Rinpoche.

Guests admitted to:

Main house and gardens.

Meals:

Vegetarian food only, served three times a day.

Special activities:

Regular courses for both new and long-term meditators are offered throughout the year. Please see the Marpa House website for details of the programme of events.

Situation:

Quiet rural location in Ashdon village.

Maximum stay:

Stays longer than a week require prior agreement.

Bookings:

Telephone or letter. If you have any questions at all about visiting Marpa House please don’t hesitate to ring the friendly Secretary.

Charges:

GBP 23.00 per night in the main house (GBP 138.00 per week).
GBP 27.00 per night in the Retreat Wing (GBP 162.00 per week).
The above rates are for accommodation and meals.
For day visitors lunch is GBP 5.00 and supper is GBP 3.00

Access:

By train from London Liverpool Street to Audley End and then by bus (infrequent) or taxi. By car on the M11. By air to Stansted airport, 30-40 minutes drive away or train to Audley End.

Spirituality:

Buddhist

Buddhist - Tibetan Karma Kagyu Tradition

Facilities:

Location: