The Diamond Sutra
Retreat for Men Training for Ordination
3 Nights, Friday 20th – Monday 23rd November 2026
Led by Paramabandhu, Vajrashura, and Varabandhu
And yet, although innumerable beings have thus been led to Nirvana, no being at all has been led to Nirvana. And why? If in a Bodhisattva the notion of a ‘being’ should take place, he could not be called a ‘Bodhi-being’. And why? He is not to be called a Bodhi-being, in whom the notion of a self or of a being should take place, or the notion of a living soul or of a person.
– The Diamond Sutra
Since the Buddha’s time, people have been trying to express the Buddha’s teaching in a form that make complete and rational sense. However, the Diamond Sutra offers a giddying counterbalance to this attempt, and a sophisticated slap in the face for anyone undertaking it!
This amazing Prajnaparamita text gives new perspective and insight into the work of the Bodhisattva – dedicated to benefit all beings, and at the same time operating on a level that will leave the rational mind spinning.
On this retreat for men training for ordination, Paramabandhu will lead us through the magical and paradoxical world of the Diamond Sutra, all in the context of friendship, meditation, puja, and the beautiful realm of Shubha Vihara.
When
Friday 20th to Monday 23rd November 2026
Where
This retreat will take place in our very own retreat centre Shubha Vihara, in Ballycorrigan, Ballina, Co. Tipperary. It’s approximately 2 hour’s drive from Dublin City. See below for a Google Map.
This retreat is for men who are training for ordination in the Triratna Buddhist Community.
Paramabandhu
Vajrashura
Varabandhu
The retreat will be led by Paramabandhu, Vajrashura, and Varabandhu.
Shubha Vihara is an approximately 2 hour and 15 minute drive from Dublin City Centre.
For most retreats, we organise a car-sharing list so that people travelling from the same area can connect. If you need a lift or can offer one, simply let us know when you book. While we can’t guarantee a lift, car sharing is often possible and is a lovely way to begin your retreat in the spirit of friendship and community.
Shubha Vihara is also accessible by public transport. The simplest route is to take a coach to Limerick and from there take Bus Éireann Route 323 to Ballina. By prior arrangement, we can usually organise collection from Ballina, making the final part of your journey to the retreat centre straightforward.
A €75 deposit per person of this payment is non-refundable under all circumstances.
If you wish to cancel or transfer a booking please notify us as soon as possible at info@dublinbuddhistcentre.org
Cancellation:
- If you wish to cancel your place more than 14 days prior to the retreat starting, a full refund minus the deposit will be offered.
- If cancellation occurs within 14 days of the retreat starting no refund will be available.
Transfers
- At least 14 days before the retreat starts: we will transfer your place to another residential retreat if there are places available on the alternative residential retreat.
- 14 days or less before the retreat starts: we may be able to transfer your place to another residential retreat if there are places available on the alternative residential retreat and we can fill your place on the original retreat.
- If the residential retreat you wish to transfer to costs more than your original booking you will need to pay the difference at the time of transferring in order to secure your place.
- We will refund the difference if the residential retreat you wish to transfer to costs less than the original booking.
- We will only transfer a booking once and no transfer will be possible once a residential retreat has started.
Cost
We do tiered pricing, depending on the circumstances.
- €340 waged
- €300 low-waged
- €240 unwaged or student
You can pay a deposit of €75 to secure your place.