retreat information
calm abiding retreat | 5-7 October 2024
Where and When
This retreat will be held on 5-7 October 2024 at Vajrayana Institute – 9 Victoria Square, Ashfield NSW.
About the retreat
Meditative concentration, also known as calm-abiding, is a state of mind where all the disturbances due to dysfunctional reactions of body and mind are pacified and we find our attention abiding blissfully on whatever object of meditation we focus on.
Contrary to popular beliefs, great effort and willpower are not necessary to accomplish it. Rather, the skillful and wise application of our mindfulness, coupled with the attitude of kindness and letting go, transforms our usual effortful struggle in meditation to an effortless process of settling deeply into concentration.
In this retreat we will look into creating the different conditions that facilitate the settling down of our body and mind, freeing them from the unnecessary tensions and agitation that disturb our peace and wellbeing.
Through applying simple techniques in our meditation practice we can readily enhance the release of physical tensions, the experience of pleasant sensations coming from our meditation, and the calming of our mental processes so much so that both body and mind can actually abide in a state of blissful engagement in meditation.
This in turn can benefit our life outside of meditation as we bring that sense of peace, calmness and mindful awareness into our daily interactions.
Schedule
8.30 – 10.00: Session 1
10.00 -10.30: Tea Break
10.30–12:00: Session 2
12.00–1:30: Lunch
1:30–3:00: Session 3
3:00–3:30: Tea break
3:30–5:00: Session 4
8.30 – 10.00: Session 1
10.00 -10.30: Tea Break
10.30–12:00: Session 2
12.00–1:30: Lunch
1:30–3:00: Session 3
3:00–3:30: Tea break
3:30–5:00: Session 4
8.30 – 10.00: Session 1
10.00 -10.30: Morning Tea
10.30–12:00: Session 1
12.00–1:00: Lunch
1:00–2:30: Session 3
2:30–3:00: Tea Break
3:00-4.30: Session 4
Meals
Lunch will be provided each day. All food will be vegetarian, with vegan and gluten free options. If you have any specific additional dietary requirements please contact us at least one week prior to the retreat.
Retreat Etiquette and Discipline
Participants are advised to adhere to the basic five ethical precepts for a lay Buddhist during the duration of the retreat, doing our best to refrain from killing, stealing, engaging in harmful sexual conduct, lying and consuming intoxicants.
There is no strict rule for keeping silence, though it would be very helpful to be mindful of how we use our speech.
It is possible to lie down in the supine position to meditate during the retreat, subjected to the availability of space in the hall. If you wish to do so, you might want to bring along your own yoga mat.
Since Vajrayana is a semi-monastic meditation centre and not a guesthouse, we ask all of our retreatants and visitors to observe the following rules of discipline in order to maintain an atmosphere conducive to inner reflection and meditation:
- Respect all life: do not intentionally kill any living being, even small insects.
- Respect others’ property: do not steal or take anything not freely given.
- Be honest and straightforward: do not lie or intentionally deceive others. This is easy when observing silence!
- Be celibate: no sexual activity. This also includes no holding hands, hugging, massages, and other physical displays of affection.
- Be alert and mindful: avoid intoxicants such as alcohol, drugs, and cigarettes (we encourage you to stop smoking while here, but if this is impossible, one can smoke at a designated place outside the centre boundary).
- Be considerate of others’ silence: respect others that choose to keep silent during the retreat, especially in the Gompa.
- No singing or playing music and in general, maintain a quiet demeanor while on the property.
- Be considerate of the monks and nuns: dress respectfully (please no shorts above the knee, tank-top shirts or tight and revealing clothing).
In order to keep the atmosphere conducive to inner reflection and spiritual pursuit and to minimise distractions during the course, students on our residential courses and retreats are asked to abide by our basic code of discipline listed below.
- Please settle all outside communication before the course begins.
- Telling friends and family that you will be out of contact for the duration of the course and sticking by that decision significantly reduces distraction from the investigation into the workings of your own mind!
- Participants should attend all sessions of the course and come to sessions on time.
- Please leave all communication/entertainment devices (laptop / mobile phones /cameras / MP3/CD players) etc at home or switch off and leave in your bag.
- Please be gentle in your behaviour and sensitive to fellow group members.
things to bring
Some suggested items to bring:
- Warm socks
- Yoga mat or meditation cushion (if you wish to use your own)
- Water bottle
Course Materials
Any course materials will be uploaded here.
