Meditation sessions

Most meditation sessions are between 90 minutes and 2 hours long. However, you will not be meditating for the entire time, although you can if you wish. The session will consist of instruction, dhamma talks, and question and answer sessions about your meditation experiences each day.

We ask that you attend all meditation sessions, as this is the way to gain the most benefit from your experience. The 6am morning meditations, however, are informal sessions, which you may choose not to attend.

Between sessions you can walk the grounds, share your meditation experiences with other participants, or simply relax in your room. We have two meditation halls, and you may at any time use the halls for your own personal meditation if you so wish.

Timetable for Retreat

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Teachers

All meditation sessions are guided by Thai Buddhist monks with extensive experience in practicing and teaching meditation to people from many different cultures and lifestyles, and of many different ages.

There are two permanent teaching monks at the retreat, Venerable Sudhammo and Venerable Kaset. In addition, other monks from the Strathfield centre will occasionally visit the retreat to help instruct and advise.

Venerable Sudhammo The Venerable Sudhammo is the Abbott of the Dhammakaya International Society of Australia and the presidence of Buddhist Federation Australia. The Venerable has been part of Dhammakaya for 35 years, first as an assistant to the monks for 20 years, and subsequently as a monk himself for over 15 years. Venerable Sudhammo is greatly respected for his work here in Australia with both the Thai community and the Australian community. His friendly nature, his wisdom, and his soothing voice combine to make him a natural to explain meditation to beginners in simple, logical terms and to make meditation relaxing and enjoyable for all meditators.

Venerable Kaset The Venerable Kaset is an experienced teacher of meditation, particularly to English-speaking people. The Venerable takes the dhamma talks and meditation sessions for English speakers at the Northern Beaches meditation centre every Monday evening. The Venerable gives dhamma talks and teaches meditation to school children throughout Sydney and Newcastle. The Venerable has a Masters degree in agricultural science from the University of New Zealand. He is currently studying for his PhD in Religious Studies at the University of Sydney. Venerable Kaset’s guidance is invaluable to those wanting to examine more deeply the theory and practice of meditation and Buddhism.

Venerable Satit The Venerable Satit is a permanent resident teachning monk, who has been living here for 10 years. The Venerable takes the dhamma talks and meditation sessions for English speakers at the Strathfield Meditation Centre every Sunday Morning. The Venerable has a degree in Computer Engineering and IT. Venerable Satit’s guidance is simple and easy to understrand.

Course Dates 2008

15-17 February 2008

14-16 March 2008

18-20 April 2008

13-15 June 2008

18-20 July 2008

15-17 August 2008

12-14 September 2008

17-19 October 2008

17-23 November 2008 (7 days)

Cost

Dhamma is not for sale. All teaching and meditation sessions are provided free of charge. However we do appreciate a donation from participants towards the cost of food, accommodation, transport, amenities etc. Donations can be as little or as much as you are able to give. As a rough guide, the cost to us of holding a three day retreat per person is approximately $140. Donation envelopes are available from the staff, and donations are traditionally given in the final session of the last day.

Note: The meditation retreat programme after 1 July 2008 the cost for accommodation and meal will be $190.00