Living in the Buddhafield

Experience community life, your way.

Living in the Buddhafield (LIB) is a way of spending time within daily community life at Leela. Shared meals, morning gatherings, meditation, movement and light contribution form the rhythm of the week, and guests are welcome to take part as much as feels right for them.

There is space for your own work, rest or creative projects, alongside opportunities to join in. Most people stay for a week or more, giving time to settle and find their own balance within the life of the centre.

Note

The Living in the Buddhafield programme pauses during our summer festival season. It is not available from 8 July until 1 September, and also does not run during festival events throughout the year

Dates: 30 March-13 April, 27 April-5 May, 1 June-8 June

During these times the centre is fully focused on hosting festivals and retreats.

Young woman with red hair wearing headphones using a laptop outdoors at a wooden table near a brick building.

Living, working, and resting in rhythm

At the heart of Leela is what we call the Buddhafield, the shared atmosphere created through presence, awareness and daily practice. It is shaped by how we meet one another and how we live side by side.

Many guests combine their stay with remote work or creative projects. Quiet spaces and strong WiFi support focused work, while shared meals, meditation and time on the land offer rhythm and connection.

The LIB programme provides a steady base for those wanting both participation and personal space.

Six people smiling and posing closely together, with flowers in the background.
A woman standing in a room looking outside through open curtains at an outdoor event with people sitting at tables and colorful banners.

What people often discover here

Qualities such as presence, responsibility and mutual care become visible in the way people relate, listen and contribute to shared life. These values are experienced through ordinary moments, in conversation, shared work and time spent side by side.

Many guests leave with a clearer sense of how connection, rhythm and care for the land can shape everyday life, and what becomes possible when people gather and live with intention.

Important Information

Please read the following section carefully before applying.

  • Life at Leela blends structure and freedom. Days unfold naturally, with space to participate, work, rest, and explore.

    A typical day may include:

    • Morning active meditation or body based practice

    • Communal breakfast

    • Morning gathering with music, movement, and connection

    • A short daily community contribution of around 45 minutes

    • Lunch and free time to work, rest, or walk the land

    • Evening meditation, sharing, or movement

    • Dinner together

    • Evening activities, sauna, music, or quiet time

    Participation is always invitational. You are encouraged to find your own balance within the shared rhythm.

  • As part of living at Leela, you are invited into the full flow of community life, including:

    • Two daily meditations

    • Shared vegetarian meals
      Morning gatherings and evening activities

    • Weekly creative and social offerings

    • Access to 17 acres of land to walk and explore around

    • Access to the sauna and plunge pool (generally once a week however not guaranteed)

    • Access to the Wellness Centre for paid sessions

    • Quiet spaces and strong WiFi for remote work

    Accommodation is chosen separately according to your needs and availability.

  • The LIB Program may be a good fit if you:

    • Are curious about conscious community living

    • Want to slow down and live more intentionally

    • Are drawn to nature, meditation, and shared life

    • Work remotely or have flexibility with your time

    • Are in transition or seeking a reset without pressure

    You do not need prior experience with Leela to join this pathway.

  • The LIB Program is available between festivals and retreats. Short and longer stays are welcome depending on availability.

    There is a weekly community programme fee of £190 (6 nights) , with accommodation priced separately based on your choice.

    Staying longer? An extra 7th night can be added to extend your week.

    If you are unsure which accommodation option suits you best, the team is happy to guide you.

    To apply, please fill in the application form below by clicking the button below.

  • If you have any questions, please contact our Booking Office on tel: 01747 821 221.

Come and live alongside us for a while.

Whether you are seeking space, rhythm, connection, or a different way of being, you are warmly invited to explore life at Leela.

To apply, please fill in the application form by clicking the button below.

Apply here
A man with a beard and short dark hair smiling, wearing a maroon robe, sitting indoors with an orange wall, a Buddha statue, and a window in the background.

“It’s wonderful to relax and go with the flow while helping out in the community. It feels like home here, like I’m among family. It’s special to receive and share that love.”

Sandeep, LIB Programme

A cozy bedroom with a bed, nightstands, lamps, plants, a patterned rug, a wardrobe, and a hanging light fixture.
A cozy bedroom with a floral bedspread, red pillows, a bedside lamp, a window with light green curtains, a bookshelf with books and decorative items, and a potted plant by the window.
Interior of a small wooden bedroom with a bed, small side table, and a window
Wood-paneled bedroom with a bed that has red polka dot bedding, a small side table with a yellow lamp, a window with white curtains, and a wall-mounted light fixture.
Room with large window, wooden floors, and bunk beds with ladders.

Food at Leela

All food is vegetarian, drawing inspiration from cuisines from around the world. Garden produce is used when available including green salads and culinary herbs.

There is a separate tea making area with a wide range of beverages which include herbal teas, coffee, decaf, green and black teas, hot chocolate, plus cow’s milk and alternative milks.

We cater for the following diets …

  • Dairy-free / Egg-free

  • Gluten Free

  • Sugar conscious

  • Vegan and vegetarian

Food is prepared in a shared kitchen where allergens are present. See our food information page for details.

A plate with a fresh vegetable salad, sliced bread with butter, and crispy snacks, with a bowl of soup in the background.