Working with the Five Hindrances
A 1-day retreat with Julian Briggs
09:30 for 10:00 – 17:00 Sat 31st May 2025
(Arrive from 09:30 for a prompt start at 10:00. Stay for a cuppa after.)
Shirley House, 31 Psalter Lane, Sheffield, S11 8YL and
Zoom (see below)
A day of deep practice and exploration as we investigate the Five Hindrances, the mental obstacles that cloud clarity and inner peace:
- Craving (Desire)
- Aversion
- Restlessness and Anxiety
- Sloth & Torpor (dull, sleepy)
- Doubt
The hindrances affected minds 2500 years ago at the time of the Buddha. They still affect our minds today.
Through guided sittings, walking meditation, and Dharma reflections, we will learn to recognise these forces in our practice and cultivate skilful means to work with them.
The retreat will include periods of silent sitting (stillness) and walking (moving) meditation, offering space to observe how the hindrances arise and pass. With mindful attention, we explore how these habitual tendencies influence our thoughts, emotions, and actions, both on and off the cushion. Instructions will emphasise gentleness and curiosity, rather than struggle, allowing for a compassionate approach to working with challenges in meditation.
Dharma talks will provide insights into traditional Buddhist perspectives on the hindrances, as well as practical techniques for overcoming them. We will have a space for a question and answer session.
Suitable for those with some meditation experience and experienced practitioners, this retreat is an opportunity to deepen mindfulness, cultivate equanimity, and develop the wisdom to navigate inner obstacles with greater ease. The day will be held primarily in noble silence to support inner inquiry.
The retreat is led by Julian Briggs.
Julian has been meditating since the mid 1980s, practising Insight Meditation since 2000 and was a co-founder of Sheffield Insight Meditation. He is training as a Community Dharma Leader (CDL) with Gaia House.
Details
Sheffield Insight Meditation provides
- Cushions & Mats
- Hot drinks
- Disabled access & toilet
Bring your own lunch.
Bus routes:
- #120 (bus stop at Shirley House)
- Bus + walk (15 mins): buses along Eccleshall Road or London Road
Cycle racks by venue.
Car parking in church car park next door.
To support deepening practice, we will hold the retreat in silence (phones off): first to last meditation each day.
To help build Sangha (community), do stay at the end of the retreat for conversation over tea.
No need to book, just turn up.
Zoom link:
(We are currently seeking a Zoom host or 2 (am and pm). If we have a Zoom host then we will add the Zoom link the day before)
We will invite dana (donations) separately for:
- Retreat expenses (room hire, refreshments, Sheffield Insight Meditation overheads etc). Suggested donations: Standard: £12, Basic: £8, Supporter: £4, Freely Given: £0
- Teaching: Julian Briggs