Wisdom of Stillness New Year Retreat

Wat Buddha Dhamma is offering the opportunity for meditation practice in the peaceful surrounds of beautiful bush land. Come and deepen your practice through days of meditation, chanting and service.

The retreat will be guided by the Wat’s Abbot, Ajahn Khemavaro and managed by volunteers. Book early as there are limited spaces on this retreat.

The Retreat schedule will consist of morning/evening chanting, mindful work, sitting/walking meditation, Dhamma talks and Q&A in the evening.

Arrival and check-in between 4 pm and 6 pm on the first day of the retreat.

Retreatants are asked to observe the eight precepts (see below)and noble silence. This retreat is suitable for beginners and experienced meditators.

Important Information for New Retreatants

Accommodation at the Wat is simple and generally shared. Facilities are basic as the Wat is not on mains electricity. The buildings are well spread out and so a certain amount of walking along bush tracks is necessary. Retreatants are asked to come prepared for various weather conditions and a torch is a must. Also note that no meals are served after midday and we are unable to cater for specific dietary needs.

In keeping with our tradition there is no charge for accommodation or food at the Wat. As a Theravadin monastery, we are fully supported by donations in the form of food, money, and volunteer labour. Retreatants are encouraged to consider how they might contribute to the needs of maintaining the monastery, while at the same time cultivating wholesome states of mind.

Precepts and Monastery rules

All retreatants are asked to abide by the following :

• To refrain from killing or harming any living being.

• To refrain from taking that which is not given.

• To refrain from sexual activity. No physical contact or intimacy with others.

• To refrain from false or harsh speech.

• To refrain from taking intoxicants which confuse the mind.

• To refrain from eating before sunrise and after noon.

• To refrain from entertainments, beautification and adornment.

• To join in the monastery schedule and work duties.

• To refrain from using computers, telephones, and internet.