Manjushri Kids Retreat

A guided 3D2N children’s retreat to cultivate mindfulness, intelligence & good qualities in young minds.

The Manjushri kids retreat is a special opportunity for parents to connect their children with the divine, and plant mental seeds to become a good adult. As H.E. Tsem Rinpoche said,

“We need to instil something deeper in our children while they are young. So that when they are adults, they will have the tools to deal with all the non-stop challenges that life brings them.

Once they are grown, it will be very hard to influence them toward deeper thoughts or activities that might save them from becoming unhappy.”

This kids retreat is based on the condensed practice of Orange Manjushri and focuses on chanting his wisdom mantra. Daily retreat activities are a combination of practice, crafts and mindful play in a beautiful, natural environment.

Children will gain hands-on experience in setting up an altar and making offerings, learn basic Buddhist practices such as prostration and circumambulation, participate in informal meditation sessions, and receive age-appropriate Dharma teachings.

It is also an opportunity for children to bond with Dharma friends from different backgrounds, learn how to work with their peers, and be independent in a safe and supportive environment. All activities are facilitated and supervised by our experienced Dharma school teachers.

Open to all children aged 7 – 17. Prior retreat experience is not required.

Benefits for Children

Manjushri’s retreat develops young minds, improves memory, increases creativity, and enhances learning and understanding. This leads to better academic results, improves their future career prospects and helps them reach their fullest potential in adulthood.

Children will also derive long term benefits from participating in this retreat — they will be blessed with the seeds of wisdom, compassion, kindness, insight, understanding of Dharma, and ultimately get one step closer to developing Manjushri’s enlightened qualities.

Who is Manjushri?

Manjushri is the embodiment of great wisdom of highest Enlightenment. He is one of the most prominent Bodhisattvas in the Mahayana Sutras who manifested as a student of Buddha Shakyamuni in ancient times.

When we engage in Manjushri’s practice, he helps us develop the wisdom to free ourselves from karmic bondages by destroying our delusions and ignorance. As such, it is often said that enlightenment is impossible without Manjushri.

Retreat Dates

• 26 – 28 May 2024 (Sun – Tue)

Registration closes 3 days before the retreat start date.

Programme Outline

Suggested Donation

What’s Included?

• Retreat altar setup
• Retreat offerings
• Retreat prayer text
• Druchuma obstacle-clearing puja (prior to start of retreat)
• Guided retreat sessions
• Pastor service
• Retreat-friendly vegetarian meals
• Comfortable accommodation in Manjushri Guest House

As a not-for-profit organisation, we do our best to make our programmes available at a reasonable rate. Your donation also supports the cost of facilities, sanitising of premises and overheads.

What to Bring

• Mala
• Mala/mantra counter
• Rice pot/container and rice*
• Serkym set and teapot*
• New bottle of water to bless during retreat*
• A Dharma book (to read during breaks)*
• Notebook and pen
• Water tumbler
• Comfortable clothing that allows you to sit cross-legged on a meditation cushion
• A shawl or sweater in case you feel cold
• Medication or antihistamines if you have allergies to pollen, etc.
• Face masks, face shield and hand sanitiser*

* Optional but recommended

Important Notes

• Children should follow the standard retreat guidelines including observing a Buddhist diet, avoiding dairy (milk, butter, cheese, etc), black foods (meat, fish, eggs, onions and garlic) and abstaining from non-virtuous actions throughout the duration of the retreat.
• Children are encouraged to engage in supervised Dharma activities during their free time in between retreat sessions such as reading Dharma books, circumambulating, making offerings at holy sites, and engaging in prostrations.
• To enhance their experience, children are discouraged from using electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablets and laptops throughout the duration of the retreat.
• Accommodation is on a room sharing basis.
• Before arriving at Kechara Forest Retreat, children must complete a COVID self-test under supervision of a parent or guardian. Proof of a negative test result must be shown during registration.
• Face masks/face shields are not compulsory but encouraged to ensure a safe experience for all. Any child that shows flu/cold symptoms must wear a face mask.
• Cancellation Policy: A partial refund will be issued for cancellations made at least five working days before the retreat start date. An administration fee of RM50 will be charged. No refunds will be issued for cancellations made less than five days before the retreat start date.
• The management reserves the right to amend the programme and/or revise prices without prior notice.