Weekends of Practice for AEB Members

Vejjasala, located just outside the village of Wingello in the Southern Highlands of NSW, is the retreat centre of the Association of Engaged Buddhists. The name, Vejjasala, means a place for healing.

The AEB committee is offering weekends of practice for members throughout 2023. These will be held at Vejjasala for Association Members only. They will commence on Friday evenings and will run until Sunday lunchtime.

Upcoming dates are:
26–28 May
23–25 June

Please note that only current financial members of the Association will be able to attend these weekends. You can become a member of AEB on our website. There is a limit of 12 people on these weekends and places will be allocated on a first in first served basis. Please be aware that it is necessary for you to commence on Friday evening and stay for the duration.

Please email Megan at waterlilylady58@bigpond.com if you would like to attend.

Schedule and Expectations

Purpose: Other than sharing mealtimes, these weekends are designed for self-reflection and meditation. There will be some scheduled times for meditations, but these are optional. As such the weekends are not really designed for those seeking instruction on beginning meditation.

While we won’t be conducting these weekends strictly in noble silence, we would encourage a sense of mindfulness in speech and ask participants not to disturb/speak to others or hold conversations unless necessary. In this way people can better stay with their own experience, moment by moment.

Mindfulness and tasks: Attendees will be asked to contribute to the ongoing maintenance of Vejjasala by spending some time on one or more of the various maintenance tasks that are necessary at the time. More information will be available over the weekend.

Food: The weekends will not be catered for beyond a few basic provisions – tea, coffee, milk. Participants are asked to provide meals for their own consumption.

Cost: A fee for attending is not required. Participants are encouraged to offer dana (make a donation) to cover the costs of running the retreat centre for the weekend.

COVID

Due to COVID restrictions, total numbers will be limited to 1 occupant per room/kuti, unless the participants are already close contacts and wish to share.

It should be noted that participants attend these weekends entirely at their own discretion and should consider their own risks and responsibilities regarding COVID. While reasonable efforts will be taken to provide a safe environment, the Association takes no responsibility for individuals’ behaviour or health consequences arising from their attendance. Please do not attend if you are unwell.

More details and information about what to bring and how to get to Vejjasala will be provided after you have registered your interest at waterlilylady58@bigpond.com