Vajraloka: The Place

The area surrounding Vajraloka Retreat Centre

Vajraloka was started by a group of members of the Western Buddhist Order in 1979. The old Welsh stone farm buildings, known as ‘Ty’n-y-ddol’ or ‘the house in the meadow’, which became Vajraloka were then in a semi-derelict state, and the team and helpers gradually converted them all into the comfortable rooms and well-appointed facilities for the retreat centre that you will see today. They also landscaped the very beautiful gardens in which the buildings are set.

Vajraloka began as a meditation community where guests could simply come and get on with their own meditation practice. It soon became clear that people coming on retreat here had a need for teaching and input on their practice. In response, a teaching team evolved and retreats on particular meditation themes were introduced. Out of their intensive exploration of meditation practice at Vajraloka, team members also started a tradition of ‘outreach’ teaching at FWBO Dharma centres around the world, which continues right up to the present. The shrine room at Vajraloka retreat centre

The heart of Vajraloka is our Shrine Room which has an excellent atmosphere built up from all the years of meditation practice that have taken place in it. The accommodation is simple, warm and comfortable; both single and shared rooms are available for guests. Vajraloka is well known for its tasty and nutritious food all prepared by our resident chef.

Our retreat programme always provides ample opportunities to explore the lovely countryside around the retreat centre. Vajraloka is perched on the side of a beautiful valley overlooking the river Alwen and, with woodland just above us, you will find many varied and excellent walks. From the local hilltops, many of the surrounding mountains of North Wales can be seen – the rolling Berwyn hills to the east, the impressive peaks of Aran Fawddwy and Cadair Idris to the south and the wonderful high mountains of Snowdonia to the west.